Blinking folder with ? --- unable to boot from disk, have data on hard

drive that isn't backed up
I am fairly new to the MAC Os and have gotten this error twice now. Yesterday it was resolved by resetting PRAM - today not so much.
I am not sure how to proceed - I have not done a most recent backup and was working on new files on my hard drive.
Any advice?
I am utilizing an external hard drive for space, so the OS is fairly "empty"
Hope someone can help!

here is where I am at -- I didn't think I'd need to say that I've done the first steps, but regardless I have booted from the install disc, reset the PRAM and now I am at a dead end. If I choose continue on the first screen after it boots from the CD, agree to the terms -- I'm assuming there should be an option to select --
On the screen that is "Select Destination; where do you want to install Mac OS X?" it is blank, the options and continue buttons are greyed out, the only option is to go back --
am I at a dead end?
hypothetically speaking, if the system is in need of repair, is there a way that I can have the service techs retrieve the mail / cal / etc data that was not included with my last backup?
thanks again --

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