Reset a Thomson DVD recorder, DTH8754E??

HELP? I erred hugely and purchased a DVD recorder brand new from a reputable retailer, not reaölising the compnay had disappeared! (Thomson) . . .I cannot get a user manual in English, and the darned thing has hours of great Tele recorded on the hard drive, but will not play . .or plays for 10 minutres and then freezes. Any Ideas on how to reformat the HD or re-boot the bugger? Cheers!