Sorry to hear of the problem you are experiencing with the touch screen and unfortunately I believe it's time for a warranty replacement.
1. No tricks that I'm aware of to fix a "dead" screen.
2. I would suggest using
MyMobiler to control your TP2 from your computer to facilitate a solid backup. You don't mention what you are using to backup your TP2, so if don't have anything presently grab a trial copy of
SPB Backup and create a backup to your Micro SD card, or PC.
Good luck!