I am not an expert myself but I have had two similar type incidents, if you're files are there thats a good sign, first if you have a way of backing them up to another drive, DVD, USB drive or whatever for safety that would be first priority in case you accidently do more damage while restoring then system.

Now once you have restored the operating system and it is stable then you would need to re-install youre programs, for example re-install Word and then then word files/documents will open. If you don't have youre keys then thats a problem.....

sounds like you're files are ok but you lost you're apps by trying that system recovery option which my the way has never worked for me, I just went through all that last month with a laptop and ended up buying a new Hard Drive and starting over but I did have everything backed up to one of those external storage drives.

As for the keys, keep the CD cases and for software you purchase online print off the KEY or just type a memo with the name of the software and the key on it and make sure it is correct, I do that now after having to re-purchase about four pieces of software after my last crash and I store those pieces of paper in the same bin where I keep all my installation disks and stuff.

As for you're CAT, first of all the plug should not be that loose and you should replace the receptacle as loose connections like that can get very warm and bad things can happen, secondly this cat is obviously a bit of an electrical safety expert, perhaps the cat learned engineering indirectly from you via you're involvement in robotics? and the cat was just doing the right thing and unplugged the computer from a loose and unsafe connection or perhaps.......the cat just wanted to sent you a message that it was time to go to sleep

He/she knew which plug to disconnet eh? smart cat that's all I can say, wish we had people like that where I work.

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