If ya just load up HD Tune every once in a while you could check the health of your HDD. As long as the smart features work on your system which they probably do.
http://www.hdtune.com/
Although I guess it's a bit late for that now...
I would turn the PC off, go buy a hdd and acronis
http://www.acronis.com/ at some local store. Then hope the shit will still copy over...