Hello, my Hard Disk Failed if you didn't notice :D I can still use the internet, but I lost some files and the ones that are still there get errors usually. It removed all shortcut icons, all Quick Launch icons, gave me a bunch of errors (no more random errors after restarting), and nothing appears on the Windows button. No recently used items, and no My Computer and stuff on the right of it. I can still open things from typing in search and going into my computer, and also using All Programs. I am upset about all of this, since I am afraid to do much on here. It happened out of nowhere and I still have about 6gb left on my drive. I have 9gb now since I tried freeing memory. I have Windows Vista Home Premium. So here are the questions I want you answering: 1. How come I have 64GB on my drive but only have 9GB now? I have 1 game...and I've defragged, cleared out things, and Hard Disk Cleaned a lot. I barely have many programs on my computer (1 game, MapleStory takes up 6.2GB only and I only have Microsoft Word 2000 and nothing else.) I have no clue what's taking all of this up, so please tell me a tip to get rid of these things. It's also REALLY hard to navigate to things since I can't access it directly and must use Computer...and most files are corrupted and get errors. 2. How do I fix this failure? It's making me really mad and I want to restore the computer to it's previous state. It crashed yesterday. 3. Is there a legitimate program that speeds up your PC, removes cookies and other things the computer doesn't need, and fixes problems for free or at least for a good price? Thanks!
CodyLeeK2012-04-02T16:03:22Z
You obviously have a virus. You lost all of that memory because your computer is being used to DDoS a website. If your computer is a Dell, Dell sends Windows Vista OS with your computer. Use it. You need to, unless you want the cops coming to your house, lol.
By looking at size, I would say that you have SSD (Solid State Drive), not HDD (Hard Disk Drive). So my guess is that SSD is near-to-die (sandforce chips had these problems a lot).
Other option is that your computer is full of viruses (but I don't think that they are consuming all that space).
Try making clean install of Windows (with full format), if disk space is still low than your drive is problem (hardware).
You've got a virus so you need to scan your laptop with anti-virus software if you can't install and run it on your computer, probably you'll need to pull out your HDD and connect through USB to another computer that has anti-virus software and scan it.
You should NEVER tamper with or in way remove or alter any of your operating system files, especially if, like most people, you don't know exactly what you're doing. My guess is that you created this problem yourself, by removing or otherwise corrupting needed system files, in your attempt to free up storage space on your hard drive. The only other option is that a virus or other malware infection corrupted your system, also typical for all Windows operating systems. That is usually due to lack of proper system protection (antivirus, firewall, etc), accessing unsafe websites (especially if using the totally unsafe Microsoft Internet Explorer - IE web browser) and by downloading and opening files, e-mail attachments and fake system protection applications offered by unknown entities over the internet.
Let's start with your last question, number 3: After you fix your major problems (that most likely you created), for all that system tweaking and clean up, use CCleaner by Piriform, free version: http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/standard Again, be very careful what and how you remove, not to cripple your operating system again.
For your whole question, including your items number 1 and 2: Hard Disk Failure is a hardware problem. When a Hard Disk Fails (or dies), that's a mechanical / electrical defect and that hard drive cannot be used anymore, it does not function anymore. I seriously doubt that's the case for your problem. Most likely your Windows operating system is corrupted, either by a virus or other malware infection (typical for any Windows operating system and careless, inexperienced users) or by improper usage and tampering with key system files, deletion of registry keys or other system files. Most users end up doing major damage to their Windows operating system by deleting, removing or tampering with stuff they know nothing about, or by improperly uninstalling or removing programs and features, basically what you most likely did.
What you need is to fix this problem by correctly re-installing your Windows operating system. For all store bought computers, with Windows factory installed by the manufacturer, the only way is to do factory restore, as they do not provide the buyer with a genuine Microsoft Windows Install DVD. The factory restore can be done in two different ways: One way is as a soft restore, from the restore hidden partition on your hard drive, via an F key or other key combination during boot splash screen. Most of the times that will not work at all, or even if it does it will not fix the problem. Most users have a corrupted system due to either virus infection or improper usage and deletion of key system files by the time they actually realize they need a factory restore. The second way is to use of a recovery disc set on DVD/CD. This is the best way to go, and in most cases the only way. Ever since 2000, most computer manufacturers no longer provide a recovery disc set on DVD/CD with a new computer, instead they just provide a way for the user to create and burn them on DVD/CD. As most users don't even know about that, or are to cocky and ignorant to even care, they do not create and burn the restore disc set on DVD/CD immediately after they purchase a new computer. Later on, when they finally realize how bad they need that restore disc set, they will have to purchase a set of recovery discs on DVD/CD. You can order one from the manufacturer (they will usually charge you more), or from a 3rd party vendor like these guys, they sell most sets for around $30: http://restoredisks.com/ http://recovery-disks.com/
You will need the exact model for your computer (Example: HP Pavilion 725n Desktop PC or Acer Aspire 5349-2592 or Toshiba Satellite A305-S6905, etc), You might even need your serial number / service number for brands like Dell. The restore disc set is created for that computer model only, and will not work on any different brand or even on a different model from the same brand manufacturer. Just insert the first recovery DVD/CD disc in your optical drive and boot your computer from the DVD/CD drive. Follow the on screen instructions to perform the factory restore.