I've noticed a few times now that my machine freezes and the hard drive "grunts" alot. It has been my observation that this means the drive is having problems and retrying operations.Is there a way in XP Home to look for drive errors? Something like "dmesg" in Linux?I've tested it from Linux and it looks ok, but I want Window's perspective.I just ran a backup too. :)I'd like to catch it before it blows so I can "dd" it to another drive.

Right click on you MyComputer icon and left click on manage.You should see an EventLog option.Read the system log and the application log if your disk is failing you should see disk errors.

Also if you find that your disk itself is ok then i would suggest running a complete virus scan and then FOR SURE a disk defragment - even if its using the one that comes with windows xp.Thanks.Paul

In addition to checking the event logs (and run chkdsk on your harddrive, just in case) I would get a program that lets you check and monitor the S.M.A.R.T. values for your harddrive. Not sure off hand about Linux but in Windows Speedfan can do it.http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php"Let me help you out. You're cleared to taxi any way you can to any runway you see."