Computer help forum: My boot sector is corrupt - how to fix it?

Windows Vista Home Prem 32bit SP1.
Problem: Installed a beta program (a linux emulator which was supposed to partition my HD) and now my PC won't boot up beyond the manufacturer's (HP) logo at startup. Black screen with blinking cursor after that.

What I've done so far
1. Tried to boot into safe mode. Won't work. Doesn't go there
2. Tried to boot into System Restore (a startup item underneath manufacturer's logo). No go.
3. Was able to start the diagnostics tool.
Results are: CPU ok, RAM OK, my 2 drives OK, then: Error - Uninitialized/Corrupt boot structure detected.

What I want to do is fix my boot sector so I can recover my PC. I know that restore from a restore CD will work but then I lose all my data. Never backed up. I'm a bad boy I know.

So this is where I need your help. Do you think my proposal has any chance of working or am I totally loony on this? Pls advise.

- I'm trying to get my hands on some free boot repair
utility. I'm thinking this could be used to fix my boot sector. Do you folks think this is a good idea?

- then I was thinking if I get this utiity then the only way I could apply
it is to stick my C: drive in a chassis and have
the "host" PC use this utlity to fix the boot sector on my C: drive. Will work?

- if this doesn't work then still put my C: drive in a chassis and
copy out all my data from my C: drive to either DVD or some external
drive. This would be my last resort. My C: drive would appear as a new
drive to the system just as if I were to buy a new drive from the store
and install it in a chassis. Does all this sound right?

Thanks all!