So despite having a hard drive made in jan 2011, it has decided to take a dump on me and causing me lots of headaches. Thankfully my macbook is able to recover some files but this has taken my main pc out of commission so a reminder, any important stuff, at least make 2 copies!
One on a DVD and one on the external HD or USB which ever you prefer, thats what I do and I've never had a problem. Also to the professional business man out there, please please encrypt your files, people will get them it just a matter if they can open them.