If I download a windows 7 recovery disk, or reinstall it, will I lose files and programs not backed up?

It will kill and wipe anything that's not backed up onto any CD or Hard Drive. Only real thing I will advise you on is make sure that you have all of the drivers you need to make Win7 work again. If you don't have proper drivers then your sound may not work, graphics may be not as nice as hoped. Just make sure all is backed up, you have drivers and get a free anti virus.