no disk in drive message cc: qttask.exe

Hi, I have a Dimension 4550 purchased in 12/2002, Win XP Pro OS,  P-4 2.0 GHz, 512 MB memory,  w/ Intel IDE 82801DB Ultra ATA storage controller, ST38002A 80 GB HDD.

I have been getting an error message cc:qttask.exe no disk in drive \device\harddisk1\dr3

also, earlier today there was a Dell message on boot up that said HDD was beyond extended capacity and that I should back up data immediately and/or arrange for HDD replacement.  (I only received the message once).

 I did a disk cleanup and a disk defragment and backed up important data.

After re-booting I continue to receive the cc:qttask.exe no disk in drive \device\harddisk1\dr3   message.

Clarification please?    Is this an imminent HDD failure?  If so, what is my next step to replace the drive?    Can I retrieve data from the original "failed" drive?

Thanks, Pat