I want to stream movies from my pc hard drive to my tv via chromecast. I can do this to my Xbox and ipad. Is there a way to do this with chromecaSt?

You can play files from chrome browser but limited to mostly mp4. Search web for guides.
Better way is to use plex. You need to set up a plex server on pc and then use a app to do casting.

See http://allaboutchromecast.com/how-to...-from-your-pc/

if you put plex client on smartphone/tablet you can play pc files on phone/tablet
and cast from phone/tablet and you can use tablet/phone to control playback e.g. from comfort of favourite chair. You may have to pay a modest sum for app (<£5).

Thanks,I thought plex would be the answer. Does it handle all file formats and is there an alternative freebie?

Plex web app for PC is free.
Surely a few pounds is worth it for flexibility - plex is so flexible and works well

I think I will but wouldn't mind a freebie just to see how it works on chromecast as I'm a bit unsure of the device but I'll probably take the plunge. Thanks for tips.