Page 1 of Tools to test pc hardware

my pc just getting very sluggish for the past few weeks
it might just need a quick reformat but
I just want to make sure that everything properly works
anyone can recommend a tool/software I can use to make sure my processor and memory is working fine?
plus a hard disk tool can be very useful

one of my hard disk is acting weird
I can play my video/music files fine from it
but whenever Im transfering stuff to or from the hdd my mp3 starts to stutter
my mouse is not as responsive etc
plus the transfer will start ok
but instead of the time for it to complete getting less, it gets bigger
some files even never stop transferring

Ive got a few hdd in the pc and only this one causing a problem
thanks in advance for any help!

cokie enjoy

start-> settings-> control panel -> administrative tools -> Event Viewer

that should prod you in right direction if hard drive is dying, dvd drive etc

usually hard drive manufacturers have tools on their web site for diagnostic
eg when I thought my hd was dying, event viewer had messages about problem writing to bad block or something, so I got the Maxtor program, ran it, that reported an error message.

as for processor and memory, you want a "burn in" test. I`ve used some in the past when we`ve had flaky PCs at work, I just goggled and gave a few a go.

Al

cool
never thought something like that exist on xp!
very cool
it is saying there is possibility the cable is failing
which is what i expected at the first place
thanks for the advice admars!

Ill have a look at the burn in test in abit

cokie enjoy