I always manually move the working file over to Dropbox at the end of each writing session. It takes ten seconds to do so.
If the OS isn't a total loss, you may be able to access the underlying file system access any important data. It would involve obtaining a live cd of your favorite linux system. (I use Backtrack personally) and mounting the OS within linux.
But if it destroyed the OS, then i'm not sure if you can get to the files.
A couple of things that might help:
1) If you use Dropbox and write in a program that autosaves often, you can help yourself out even after something like this; and
2) If you use Linux for writing, you'll find that the number of viruses that affect it is extremely low.
Also, if you need to access files on that hard drive, you might burn a linux LiveCD (linux mint for example) if you have a computer you can use to download and burn it. Then, when you boot the liveCD you can pull up the hard drive with your Windows installation on it and access all of the files saved there. I don't know how many times I've recovered files for people using a linux liveCD when Windows went kaboom.
I've been thinking about it. The program bar takes up to much real estate, even on my 22''. As someone who does 3D design, screen real estate is a must.
Never booted up.
My brother(the Linux lover) bought a magazine with the disc in it.
I will try to write down the linux cd name. Might be on over the weekend, if not won't be back to a computer until monday.