My computer is toast. Specifically there appears to be a problem with either Windows XP or the file system where Windows resides. Regardless, it is likely going to mean a lot of restoring of files or at least moving them.
Ask yourself; if my computer stopped working right now, do you have a copy of the most important files on my computer? Do I even know which files are important? Have you tested restoring those files and did it work?
If you don’t have a good answer to these questions, look for ways to determine how to answer them today. In the worst case, take your most crucial files and email them to someone or use a service like drop.io as a temporary place to put them while you find a longer term solution.
You don’t need a complex solution. In fact backing up your files should be as easy as brushing your teeth! And just as important.
Smart People I Know 
time to get a mac…
🙂
Macs are great! I have some. However, this hardware problem I have — I thought it might be Windows, but it looks like the laptop itself — is independent of Windows.
As it is, right now I am using Linux to access what I need. More on that later.
This is a great tip, thanks! I have a Mac, which I love, but Mac’s do screw up also. You still need a backup plan if you have a Mac. I’d love to find a trusted site to back up my stuff online. I know it exists, just not sure which site is the best.