thanks for the support ,ive been doing a few checks and what iv'e found is the comp still takes about 2 minutes to restart and it seems that everything i do has a delay like right clicking on files and folders.I also noticed that if i try to download a file or update software it hangs on the download.
This was all happening before all of your instructions.
Also i have a program called incredimail and this wont receive emails anymore it just sits there checking the server, but outlook express will.

Personally I'd get rid of Incredimail, it causes more slow downs and problems than its worth. This will be causing quite a few slow downs.

Norton won't make the problems any better, this is also an extreme resource hog.

Ok owen thanks for all your help in getting rid of the nasties.
I will mess around a little and remove some programs to see if it makes it a little faster.
Once again thanks for your help and excellent service i will be sure to recommend this forum to friends.

take care

Hi owen .Ive removed the incredimail and considering removing norton antivirus but can you recommend another antivirus program to use or buy or is it safe just to use the new one built into sp2.

There isn't an antivirus program in Service Pack 2. Just a firewall, put personally, I'd get a third party firewall. Much more secure, its already reported that the firewall has bugs in it that allow hackers to walk in.

If you have a read of this info, it contains info about free programs. They are all very good:

Preventing it returning

After your problem has been resolved on the forum, it is an absoulute MUST to do the following steps to prevent the problem returning. Click on the link to get access to the software or webpage that I'm referring to.

1. Visit Windows Update
Pay a visit to Windows Update and scan for and download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs. New updates are usually released monthly so check back to Windows Update every month.

2. Download Antivirus Software-
If you haven't already got Antivirus software, you should download and install AVG Antivirus. It is freeware and is updated nearly every 2 days (sometimes more frequently if there are a lot of new viruses) and in my opinion, is better than some Antivirus software such as Norton. Antivirus software will prevent viruses infecting your system and it is important that you update it every two days or every week at the most.

3. Download a Firewall-
If you haven't already got a firewall, it is Very important that you download one. Firewalls will prevent unauthorised access to your computer and stop data leaking out of your computer. You may think that it won't happen to you, but Hackers don't care who you are, what you do, where you live or what you had for tea last Sunday on your holiday in the Lake District, they want your data. Firewalls will keep these sneaks out and one of the best is Sygate Personal Firewall, which happens to be freeware.

4. Spyware Scanners-
It is important that as well as having real time spyware protection, you have a spyware scanning application. If you have not already been told to download one earlier in this thread, it is a good idea to download Spybot Search And Destroy and Ad-aware. They are both spyware scanners and will search for a remove spyware. It is recommended that you have both, because one will pick up entries that the other misses. It is even a good idea to download these if you have other programs such as ASE, Spysweeper, Pest Patrol, etc, because one spyware scanner will not pick up everything. Please remember to update your spyware scanners weekly/fortnightly.

5. Prevent Spyware slipping through Internet Explorer-
Quite a lot of spyware slips through Internet Explorer if your settings are not tight enough. Spyware Blaster will help you prevent spyware slipping through and installing tracking cookies. Simply run it via Start> Programs> Spyware Blaster and click Enable All Protection and it will protect you. It doesn't even have to be open! Remember to update weekly/fortnightly.

6. Constant Spyware Protection-
It is important to have constant spyware protection. Spyware Guard works like an antivirus program but detects Spyware instead. It will constantly protect your system. Check for updates monthly.

All Of these steps are very important and it is HIGHLY recommended that you download all of the programs mentioned for your own safety. Remember to Update everything (including Windows using Windows Update)! It is also a good idea to perform weekly/fortnightly scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-aware and your antivirus software.

And last of all, please remember, that common sense is your greatest tool. Without it, spyware and other related Malware would rule!