BleepingComputer.com: NEED URGENT HELP!!!

I have Avast Internet Security, and I also use SuperAnti-spyware as well as Spybot. I also just downloaded HiJackThis, but I don't know how to read it properly.

Spybot usually runs okay, and Avast runs well, but it hasn't picked up anything in a while.

But typically when I run SuperAnti-Spyware the computer will just shut off while it's scanning.

Sometimes it also shuts off when I'm NOT scanning anything. I'll be surfing the web. Sometimes I'll be watching sites like Youtube or other sites that use video files.

I did a PC Diagnostic Tool scan and it said FAIL under the Hard Disk section.

Is my harddrive about to fail? Am I having heat sync issues?
Or is this some sort of super spyware or virus that shuts my computer down when it realizes I'm trying to find it?
Need some urgent help!!!

Thanks guys!

If you think it may be malware please post in the Am I infected forum.

If the diagnostic tool says that the hard drive is failing, the best step is to backup your personal files immediately and replace the hard drive.

I missed the part about the HD. Go to the website of your HD manufacturer and download their diagnostic utility. Burn it to cd and run it.

I have everything backed up on an External HD.

Toshiba doesn't seem to have a "diagnostic utility" feature on their website.

Any other ways in which I'd be able to tell if it truly is a hard drive issue or if it's simply a spyware/adware/virus issue?

Toshiba may be just the brand of computer you have.

That doesn't mean they are the ones who made the hard drive.

Do this-

Go to start button, click it, right click Computer, choose Manage.
then on the left, choose Device Manager.

Click the > sign next to Disk Drives and tell us exactly what it says.

ah hah. got it.

Hitachi HTS545050B9A300

ok, I checked Hitachi's site, and they don't seem to have any type of "diagnostic utility" to help determine my problem...

Begin at step 4.

Perform diagnostics on your hard drive.

• Click the Start Orb and type in "device manager." In the search results, double-click device manager.
  
• Double-click Disk Drives. The first drive listed is most likely the one you want to test.
  
• Take note of its manufacturer (Samsung, Western Digital (WD), Seagate (ST), Toshiba, Hitachi, etc.)
  
  • If are still uncertain about your hard drive's manufacturer, include what you see there in your next reply and await further instructions.
  
  
• Use this thread to download the appropriate diagnostic tool.
  
  • Some tools can be installed and run from within Windows, others will need to be burned to CD and booted from. Instructions
    
  • If you do not see your manufacturer listed, or are confused or overwhelmed (this is perfectly OK), use SeaTools for Windows. If Windows is highly unstable or won't boot, use the bootable CD, SeaTools for DOS.
  
  
• Direct the program to perform a 'short-test'. If it passes, perform a 'long-test'. This will likely take a few hours.
  
• Report the results in your next reply.

This post has been edited by LucheLibre: 13 January 2012 - 09:19 PM

So I have to download the correct thing from Hitachi, download it to a CD and use it by booting it up?

The correct thing to download is the CD image from Hitachi.

If you are not familiar with burning ISOs to a CD, follow the instructional link in my post.

ok, got it burned to a CD. What files do I need to open from the CD now?

Sorry that I'm so new to all of this. I'm sure you guys are annoyed at having to explain everything out to me, but I can't thank you enough for all your help.
You guys are awesome!

Nah, we're not annoyed. Glad to help.

Boot your computer with the CD in the drive. As soon as it turns on, begin repeatedly pressing F12. This will bring up a 'boot choice' menu. Use your up and down keys to select the CD/DVD option and press Enter. If the CD has been burned correctly, the computer should boot the diagnostic program on it.

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/bulletin.jsp?soid=403623

That link has more detailed instructions if you end up having trouble.

This post has been edited by LucheLibre: 15 January 2012 - 12:04 AM

I clicked the link, and read the instructions, but that didn't help me when I went to boot the computer and run it.

I was asked what type of drive it was, along with several other questions that I wasnt sure of how to answer.

Is there a step by step tutorial somewhere that I missed? Thanks

http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/downloads/Dft32_User_Guide_415.pdf

You'll want to start on page 7.

Select Option 2.