SQL Server 7.0 Server Stopped…

A few nights ago my server stopped and would not start. After exhausting my limited resources I decided to reinstall the software. I had the base backed up but I am now finding it hard to get the backup data into a new data base. Can this be done orhave I lost three months of sleepless nights entering data for not? Please send help.
Thanks in advance for your time and concideration.
John