A request for information on recovering

[valhalla2100 at comcast.net]

Hello,

I have a problem with my Ubuntu.  Foolishly downloaded
some software and install it.  One of the things was
a Xubuntu [something].  Don't know if that is the cause
of my problem but when I select a version the Xubuntu
screen comes on and then the computer freezes with a
blank screen.  

Before I start all over again, doing a reinstall, I 
would like to know if I have lost my Evolution e/m
files.  I would like to be able to check to see if I
still have them but don't know how.

Thanks in advance.  

Thomas