I will back-up from now on...I have learned my lesson!
I am VERY HAPPY that you are receiving data recovery assistance from the manufacturer. On your resolution to make backups, congratulations and I am sorry that it was such a sharp point that got you started. Now you have to decide methods, internal/home vs commercial off-line. While you are waiting for this data recovery, you need to start considering this process. In your (I'm sure) copious free time [smile] think about what method and costs you can afford to avoid this panic attack in the future. If you wait until you get back into operation, you will return to bad habits and unfortunate outcomes. Good luck!