Files backed up with Ghost but cant unlock. Advice on other back up files needed

I paid and arm and a leg to cowboy to  back up my programme files onto an external modem. and create daily back ups. I know he ghosted my system files using Norton v14.  I need Norton to unlock them don't I? Also I dont know if he used Norton ghost to back up outlook express and daily back ups. Would he have done this?.

 

We had a breakdown in relationship after he presented me with a $500  account so I cant go back to him..

 

I looked into outlook express "daily back ups" and all the files are encrypted ie. they consist of blocks of numbers and characters. It only appears to be from one email account and I have three.   I thought I was backed up and now I have lost my email account that I have had for 10 years. It holds my lifes work. Cant believe I did this.

 

So can you tell me if it is likely he used Norton Ghost for daily back ups for outlook express?

 

Also if I need to retrieve my system files. Do I  I need to get Norton v14?. 

 

I lost Word 2003 disk but I managed to get most of my  programmes onto external modem in case if my computer crashed, But I this isn't as important as my email account.. 

 

If this is not an option I will have to see if I can retrieve them another way. However this back iup is my first option I need to explore.

 

Your advice will be appreciated..