Compaq Laptop restore files

I had a problem in the past with my Compaq 1200(model 12XL125) which resulted in my partitions being hosed. The problem was the restore cd that comes with this model is not a full install cd and most of the restore files were stored on a partion of the HD. Since it is long past warranty I am certainly not gong to pay to get it fixed. Is there anyway to recover the lost restore files from the hd partition?

I am guessing it is a lost cause but thought I would ask anyway.

I tried win 2000 on it but getting drivers that worked for everything was nearly impossible, the main culprit being the integrated video. It just would not work correctly for hooking to a projector for powerpoint presentations.