Best Buy says they can't recover anything from it, but we're not really sure that they're being truthful. The hard drive has all her notes and work from class (we're students), and to lose all that stuff when we're this close to finals would be a disaster. Is there some place in Boston or Cambridge where she could take it and have a reasonable chance of getting her information back?

Update: Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Unfortunately, my friend decided to send her computer back to Sony since she so desperately needs it back. Best Buy told her she can't have the original hard drive shipped back to her, so I guess it's gone forever. We both really appreciate all your help, though!