Your emails are probably still on the e-mail server - you can check this by using your browser to log into your e-mail account.

One way to back things up would be to transfer them to some form of cloud storage - lots of companies provide this, some even have limited storage for free. You could always use more than 1 free service, if required.

Alternatively, you could try a 3rd party sync tool like AndroidSync which allows you to transfer files over WiFi (though with some difficulty).

A better solution would probably to fix the connection problem with the PC. The most likely cause is a dodgy USB cable - try a different one (you can get them for around $1 on ebay).

Failing that, it's probably a driver issue, in which case you need to:

- disconnect the phone from the PC
- uninstall all Samsung drivers and software from the PC
- restart the PC
- restart the phone
- reinstall Keis (I'm guessing you use this)

NOTE: be sure to only reconnect the phone when prompted and do NOT remove the phone until all the drivers are installed and keis has successfully connected to the phone.

Rooting is basically getting 'admin' access to the phone.

 

I have taken the liberty of moving this thread to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus Forum so experienced eyes can see it... although SiempreTuna gave you excellent advice. If you have any questions about the move, just PM me

To answer your question on root, I kindly refer you to this informative thread:

http://androidforums.com/faqs/443432-what-root-being-rooted-mean.html

Hope this helps!

 

I'm guessing you can't connect your phone at work because of some IT limits on your work PCs that prevent connecting outside devices....

As for alternatives, there are many. A cloud service is your best bet. Try box or dropbox. Both have apps and offer free storage online. You can simply backup all of your photos to your cloud service and then once you've wiped your phone you can reinstall the app and download your photos to your phone. As mentioned, if you have WiFi you can use an app like airdroid to connect your PC wirelessly to your phone and copy the photos that way.

As for emails, if you are using Gmail, the messages are all online. If you are using exchange for work, your messages are presumably still on your work server. All other email providers will depend on how you have them configured. Unless you are using a POP access setup, the messages should be synced to most accounts and not stored locally.

As for texts, you'll want to search the market but I believe there are several apps that allow you to backup your texts. Once you've backed them up, you can copy that file to the same cloud service you used for your photos.

 

For photos..... You have been given the options already but may I suggest you set up Google+ or another service to auto backup photos when on wifi..... Good way to assure you don't lose them.