restoring OS on GW GT5408

Computer was slowing down and now I can't get into Windows.

Hard drive seems OK as I can get the Windows restore options but they
will not work and all I get is a blank screen with the mouse pointer.

Reticent to use OS restore disk as it is quite old and will wipe old
files. Is this something I should not be concerned about? I do have
two months of Carbonite left and am going to drop it for a back up drive.

Is there something better (I saw some restore software at Best Buy).

Don't want to expend lot of money or effort as I was thinking new pc
next year. Also open for suggestions on that.

Frank