Touch Screen not Responding

[InsipidMonkey]

Boarded a flight this afternoon, turned my phone off, and when I turned it back on after we landed the touch screen no longer responds. The hardware keys and keyboard still work, and multiple resets / removing the battery have had no effect. Also, I'm not sure if it's related, but about a week ago my phone developed the rainbow/oil slick problem, but it hasn't bothered me too much.

I tried running a fingernail around the edge of the screen as was suggested for the Touch Pro with no luck. I am planning on contacting Verizon for a warranty replacement, but before I do I have a couple questions:

1. Are there any other tricks for fixing a non-responsive touch screen?

2. Is there a way I can make a current backup of everything on the phone without using the touch screen? Can I image the phone from my computer somehow?

Thanks in advance for any advice.