Well, apparently I don't have to worry about losing my character. Even though I'll have to re-install, I can just use my old POL ID and password and get back into my account... at least I hope so.
CompUSA called today and said they have to replace the Hard Drive... could be a couple days, could be a week before they get the replacement (since I have a warranty I am getting the same one I had in there before, which is "old" now).
Once I get it back, FFXI is gonna be one of the first things I re-install, but of course I have to get it setup for ResNet first... that's going to be one long day, between downloading everything for ResNet and installing-updating FFXI... yeah, that will take quite awhile. Anyway, see you guys in a week or so, if everything goes well and I can get my character back!