It's a IBM thinkpad

Depends on the type of data and where it was stored. If you use system restore, then best bet is to use system restore to get those files you are looking for, or if you have done a backup of your data, I would locate the backup and go into it and grab the files as well.

No, a restore to factory settings will wipe the drive. You can try a recovery program if you have already restored the machine, but if the data was overwritten with the factory OS it will not be recoverable. Your best bet is to save your data to dvd or external drive prior to the restore (documents and settings installable downloaded programs pictures music etc.)