[newbe]

I have a couple of questions and problems that i hope you guys will be able to answer. First, If you back up your hard drives, where do you put the file that contains the drives because if your hard drive crashes won't those files go with the hard...

I have a couple of questions and problems that i hope you guys will be able to answer.
First, If you back up your hard drives, where do you put the file that contains the drives because if your hard drive crashes won't those files go with the hard drive no matter were you locate the back up files.
Second, My computer was fine a week ago. It was running fast showing no problems, but in the past couple of days I have been downloading files like crazy games, virus protectors, nero, tools, and other stuff. The computer started to slow down. So I took a day to scan the computer and delete the files. I have four different scanners that I use to scan. Mcafee, Super Antispyware free edition, A-squared Anti-Malware, active panda 2, and one other that is online. I didn't find anything. I then used CCleaner to make sure the recyle bin was clean. Once I did all of this the computers didn't get better it continued to drop in speed. One day later it takes about 1 to 2 minutes to load up the password enter box. Then about 1 to 2 minutes to pop the applications up. I know I didn't touch any important files because I have cleaned the computer like this once or twice and got it to run very fast again. Once the computer had loaded the applications take forever to run and get going. I will open my PC pitstop Optimize and it will open, but open all white and then go unresponsive. Same for CDBurnerXp. The internet takes sometimes to load, but its the same speed. The CPU is running at a normal rate, which is 0 to 25% it wasn't a while ago though. Also when I was on the computer it was making a weird sound two noises. Its not coming from the speakers. Its not making that noise anymore though. I thought it was hard drive failer with the noise, but its hasn't happened.
If anyone knows what this problem is please put some imput in. Also if you need any other details I will be glad to tell you.