Back when I started, I didn't have a computer, so everything is in notebooks. I'm very structured and organized, but have 12 volumes at present.
I also had a crash, and luckily, I had joined genserv - a genealogy sharing website. I had sent my information there, so I was able to retrieve my own files. Unfortunately, they were not the most up to date, and I still had to add information from much of the hard copy information.
I also burn cd's now - every few months, when I have new information that I've added. Works fine for me.
Good luck - I do share in the frustration.
btw -
www.genserv.com if you want to take a look.