Be Free Of Hard Disk Hassles

If you’ve been having trouble with your machine, don’t wait for it to crash completely. Keep checking your hard disk for errors by using the built-in Scandisk and Defragmentation tools, at least once a month. Doing so will help improve performance, and prevent the build-up of minor errors, which could cause your system to crash or data to be lost. Most often the machine itself will correct the errors. 

Just double click on the start button, point to programs, point to accessories, point to system tools, then point to Disk Defragmenter or Scandisk, double click and follow the on-screen directions. Run both tools to be on the safe side.