1. Go to a friends computer, download and burn either the latest Ubuntu LiveCD.
2. Turn on your PC and go to the BIOS options to make it boot from CD (also to open CD tray and put your cd there)
3. Let it Boot
4. Once on Ubuntu read your documents using it, or alternatively mail them or download them to a USB key drive.
5. Once you have all you need, turn off your PC, and wait for the fix to arrive. At least your documents will be safe.

Keep the Ubuntu LiveCD (which is completely legal) and use it to surf the web and get some Office going on while you wait for a proper fix to this issue. (The worst that could happen is that you end up loving Linux, but that’s ok, unless you turn into a fanboy).

Other alternatives?
Install a new hard drive as a master and restore your OS with your HP provided discs, the old hard drive should be installed as a slave to copy/paste your files. Cost: the cost of the hard drive and installation, Benefits: You get a new hard drive (maybe a bigger one) and access to your files, Cons: Can you install a new hard drive? (hint: you just need to Google for detailed, even video, instructions on how to do it. It’s not difficult at all in most cases).

Take your hard drive to a friend’s computer and install it as a slave. Copy your files to a usb key, mail them or burn them to optical media. Cost: None? Benefits: You
get access to your files, Cons: Is your friend’s computer antivirus up to date? (hint: ask, if not, update antivirus, if no antivirus, install AVG free, scan then copy)

Get a new computer, install your HD as a slave on it, copy/paste your files to it, reassemble your old HD on your old PC, format it, restore it using HP discs, give it away to charity. Cost: The cost of a new computer, Benefits: You get some positive Karma plus a shinny new computer and access to your files, Cons: Can you afford a new computer? Would you be brave enough to buy it with Vista installed? (hint: ask for XP)