Then test the hardware with the Ultimate Boot CD
http://tinyurl.com/3jnpy
The Ultimate Boot CD has HDD Testing utilities on it that can test the HDD so use one of these.
If the hardware is all OK reinstall the OS. If you have a M$ Windows install Disc use that to do a Inplace Install
http://tinyurl.com/g4bv8
If you only have the Makers recovery Disc you can not do a inplace Install so you'll need to save all the data on that HDD either by removing the drive & fitting to a USB Caddy where depending on the OS being used you may need to Take Ownership of the Files
http://tinyurl.com/3aw7
Or use a Live Linux to save the data on the HDD.
http://tinyurl.com/23nmq
As to if you can do this yourself that depends on your level of expertise and if you are comfortable with removing Hardware to Save Data or using a different OS to Windows.
If your Husbands Computer has any Form of Encryption in Use post back before you do anything as the possibility of loosing the Data well access to it at least is way too great if you blunder in without knowing what it is you are doing.
If you have a Full Backup of the Files without any form of Encryption or if they are encrypted and the Encryption Key is backed up all you need do is to reinstall the OS and then transfer the data back.
Col
