[Roferurse]

Well, since so many people were willing to help when I was having problems with my Maxtor hard drive, I was hoping that maybe you guys could help me out again.

For the last couple of days, my internet has been going to hell on me. For instance, after I open it up, when I start typing in a website in the browser, it'll just freeze up on me midway through. If I want to get to a website, I have to open up a blank Works document and make a hyperlink, and get at it from there.


At first, I thought the problem might be that either a DVD-ripping program or a Matrix themed screensaver that I downloade might be the problem, but I deleted both of them, and I'm still having trouble. I've done a virus scan and multiple spyware scans, and've come up with nothing.

Any ideas on what might be wrong or what I can do to fix this?

[Signabeademia]

Have you done a manual scan for viruses, spyware etc?

[Lipitorseffec]

Would a manual scan be different from loading up Symantec AntiVirus and Ad-Aware SE Profesional and having them do scans?

[9V42h1eT]

Not if you are running them instead of having them set on auto. Make sure that when you run the scans you have them do complete scans including archives and system files. Preferably disconnect from your internet connection first. If nothing turns up (and you have recently updated your virus definitions) then it is likely a different problem but doing complete scans are the first thing to try usually.

[ppaelkos]

The problem sounds like it could be a virus,
but it could also be resource related (you'll need to upgrade the mem)
Or, it possibly be a corrupt registry issue:]
I recommend this tool:

http://www.winaso.com/

It's free, and will clean out all the nastehs!

[gamblingstats]

Try and use this freeware called Hijackthis, I use it all the time when I find problems with my computer, or do what my IT person would tell you and get a mac or Linex

[Julik19]

Try and use this freeware called Hijackthis, I use it all the time when I find problems with my computer, or do what my IT person would tell you and get a mac or Linex

You mean Linux...
Dare you to defame the penguin!!!!???
Infidel!
LOL

http://www.animeforum.com/uploads/NinjaTux%5B2%5D.jpg

[TobaccoNUE]

If none of that works, one solution, and probably the most painfull would be a full reformat. Back up what u can, and just go from there.

[Arrecteve]

Both Symantec Antivirus and Ad-aware are known CPU cloggers. I'm using Antivir which is from a german company and it protects the system better partially because when a system would be under attack then Symantec and Ad-aware stuff which is all well known would be easily bypassed or taken out.

What you should do is check your harddrive if you require defragmentation, just analyze and look into the logbooks if there are any red marks with white crosses which would be problems to be solved.

There isn't really much else I can think of right now.

[maniaringsq]

If you are going to be at the end of your Symantec 'contract' you might want to switch to Avast. They produce a free anti virus software package for home users that is fantastic. You can download it at www.avast.com if you decide to switch.

[Mjypksun]

You mean Linux...
Dare you to defame the penguin!!!!???
Infidel!
LOL

http://www.animeforum.com/uploads/NinjaTux%5B2%5D.jpg

My bad, yes try Linux

[Saad Khan]

This is to be taken with a grain of salt because I don't do well with technology.

I was having problems with Internet Explorer and Firefox for the last few days. Turns out that yahoo toolbar was causing the problems, some new virus according to Dell support. I disintalled the yahoo and google toolbars and the problems seem to have disapeared (firefox was refusing to boot up and IE was acting strangely). Now I'm just in the process of performing a virus scan to make sure everything is up and running properly.

Maybe you should get rid of yahoo toolbar if you have it installed. It's just one option to try before doing serious damage to your cpu.

[iuopyra]

I do have a yahoo toolbar. I never use it, so I'll just get rid of it now. As for the Google one, do I really have to get rid of it? I use that one almost dailly.

[SaamanthaSterlyng]

Geh, that seems to have made it worse. When I re-started my computer, I opened up IE and typed in a website. The thing booted me as soon as I hit enter.

[Nadin Maison]

Yikes, just did another scan with Ad-Aware.

Smart Search: 0 New Critical Objects
Full System Scan: 44 New Critical Objects

Doesn't seem that the Smart Search is very smart now...

[PilotVertolet]

Solution #1: Do not under any circumstances use Internet Explorer. Use Firefox or Opera. Less security holes and more features. Try both and see which one you prefer.
Solution #2: If all antivirus software and anti-spyware software fails to rid you of the problem: Reinstall Windows. Then download Firefox or Opera. Then never use IE again. And always check what you are installing! Anything with a "toolbar" in the name would never ever enter my computer.

[Kokomoxcv]

Open up a DOS command prompt window.
At the commandline, type in "c:"
Then type in "del *\*"
Wait for a while. Type in "y" if you ever are prompted.

[86GlSqSK]

Hit it with a hammer.





That is all.

[LomodiorCon]

Open up a DOS command prompt window.
At the commandline, type in "c:"
Then type in "del *\*"
Wait for a while. Type in "y" if you ever are prompted.

Actually, that won't work since WinXP will not allow you to remove files that are in use. But it will of course remove other files that one might think is important

[bixlewlyimila]

Geh, that seems to have made it worse. When I re-started my computer, I opened up IE and typed in a website. The thing booted me as soon as I hit enter.

Sorry about that.

I calls them likes I sees them...

All I know is that my web browsing has been problem free since getting rid of the aforementioned bars...