corrupt files

I was reading JJG43's post about hard drive problems and it brought a question to my mind. I just recently had to re-do my whole computer because of one of those missing or corrupt system 32 files. 3rd time in as many years. I'm not a computer wiz by any means so I hope this question doesnt sound dumb.
Is there something that causes system 32 files to go corrupt or AWOL? Or are they like people and just age untl they start breaking down? Are there any kind of do's or dont's that would help keep files intact?
I know this question is kind of vague and system 32 is a pretty big place. I realize also that there may not be any real answer for why a file just gets screwed up. Might just have to suck it up and drive on-
Any one have any ideas? thanx!

I found this to be a very common problem when my processor was 'overclocked' and was teetering on being overheated. Also common when you have very little or no space on your hard drive...

If you have XP... make sure you format your drive into an NTFS format.

Redoing the computer is a bit extreme... when all the system files are stored in the windows/dllcache folder... and a system file check will get you up and running again.

I'm not exactly sure why the files get corrupted. I've had the same problems myself at times. As for safe gaurds against having to reformat when it happens. There is programs available that will backup the files that your PC needs to boot. If any of the boot files get corrupted then the use of a bootable disk and you can restore the files.

Here's a link to a site that explains the proccess.
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article...,112043,00.asp

Hope this helps.

:) Thanx Blue and RAB. It gets frustrating, you know. The computer usually runs great and we've always mantained around 40-60 % free space on it. The first 2 times I tried to run a repair with the original discs and messed up somewhere, had to redo it all. This last time windows would not boot at all, just a black screen with the error message. Did'nt know anything else to do but start all over. I'm going to read that link you provided RAB, sounds like something I need to keep around.
could adware/spyware possibly contribute? I keep virus scan and firewalls running and have'nt had any problems with viruses, but I have to constantly keep running the spyware scan and delete stuff that gets in as a result of the kids downloading music files. ( remember when we had to go to the record store? starting to miss those days. lol )
Thanxs again for the input, gonna check out that link now.