For your laptop, you probably want to do a full backup to a hard drive (ideally two), erase the laptop, then do a full restore when you get it back. Even if they do install a new OS (they shouldn't) that will restore it to its current state.

And yeah, *hugs*. I know this is a season of terrible anniversaries for you, but I am nevertheless very pleased you suddenly and without warning entered my life ten years ago Sunday.