"Not Responding" and hang time occurring frequently. Hoping to find a resolution?

[AngieB4]

Hello,

I've been running scans and installed updates, but I see the dreaded "Not Responding" throughout my programs (example: Google Chrome, Powerpoint, Email, etc.

Any suggestions?

[WAWood]

@AngieB4 

This is almost always due to a failing drive.

If your PC is new enough to support UEFI, you can use these steps to test the hard drive: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If not, to check the drive you have to follow these steps:
1) Press Esc key repeatedly, several times a second, while rebooting the laptop. Do NOT hold the key down, just press it over and over.
2) Eventually, you will see an HP Startup Menu
3) Press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.