program not responding. constantly. every time i hit a link or double click on a item, i get no response. it never used to be like that.

It would really help if you could tell us what program isn't responding? Any new programs installed? Spyware, virus, service packs from Microsoft?

Are all applications nonresponsive? Is the system infected with spyware? Is the HD full? Run a disk cleanup and see if theres enough free space for a defrag.Also see if its due to bad or not enuf RAM.