My computer was working fine up until last week.
Windows 98 will no longer boot up on my computer.

If I try to boot up normally or in safe mode, I receive the following
message: Data error reading drive C

Also, I cannot boot up from the CD ROM.

When running Scandisk in Dos I get the following message:
Scandisk encountered a date arror while readiing cluster 11173.
Scandisk will try to continue past this error. When Scandisk offer to
perform a surface scan on this drive, choose Yes.

My computer then freezes and goes no further and I am not able to do a
surface scan.

Can this problem be fixed without reformatting my hard drive?
Will reformatting my drive fix this problem or is it time for a new hard
drive?

Any input would be apreciated.

Thanks,
Martin.