I use Win 98 2nd edition. I set up user profiles so me and the missus could use different settings etc. This proved more trouble than it was worth so I just deleted them. And I just deleted 6 months worth of college work that my dear wife has toiled over

I never even remotely thought that that would happen. I didn't even think of backing up. I'm doomed. Is there any way of restoring these files? Failing that has anyone got a spare room for a few years?
Please help....I'll be upstairs packing my bags....