What could be wrong? Hard Drive?

My laptop freezes up a lot at very strange moments. For example, if I use alt + tab to navigate between windows sometimes it freezes. It has even frozen when going to start -> run -> then typing a program to run and hitting enter. If I don't hit enter and use the mouse and click OK it won't freeze.

The HP diagnostic software finds nothing so I installed the manufacturers HD utility tester. I do the quick scan and it gets to 90% and never finishes. Any idea what is going on?

 

It could also be bad ram. Try running Memtest86+ for about an hour to rule out of it's a ram problem.

 

If the HD test itself crashes, I agree-- that suggests memory failure. However, if the computer freezes whenever you try to access a file stored on the drive (as running a program would do, and clicking something in a dialog box wouldn't), that's indicative of a hard drive failure. Worst case scenario, however unlikely, is that both are fried.

 

Memtest86+ wants me to burn something to a disc, is that what it is suppose to do?

 

Download the latest version should be an ISO file. Take That that ISO and burn it to a blank CD with a ISO burner. I highly recommend Active@ ISO Burner http://www.ntfs.com/iso-burning.htm