Hi

Up until about two days ago my computer was working excellent but all of a sudden it begins to start up really slow. Many programs wont open at all such as Internet Explorer but the few that do will get a "not responding" message. I can open Mozilla Firefox but cant make any downloads without it saying not responding. My start menu opens but many of the options will not work and will leave any other programs in the start menu unclickable.

My Anti-virus (Windows Live Onecare) says that it has stopped working or has stopped so downloaded AVG temporarily( i can download in safe mode) to see if there is a virus. I cant start a scan because it says not responding when I try to schedule a scan.

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 with Windows Vista
3.00 GB of ram
and a 2.4GHz processor

if any body could help me it would be much appreciated
thanks

I just noticed that my CPU usage is running at 99% with only Firefox open.

Have you tried a System Restore to a point prior to your problem?

yeah i did a system restore to two days before the problems started happening and nothing changed

I'd suggest reading this and then starting a new thread in that security section of the forum:

http://www.d-a-l.com/help/spyware-ad...tructions.html

I couldn't get it to work so I took it in to a repair shop to run a diagnostic test and they told me it was problem with my operating system. They told me I needed to restore the computer so I did. It works like brand new now but I have to download so many programs lol.

Glad all is well again.

I will use your thread hoping you don't mind to point out this issue and I hope the repair shop didn't charge you too much as every computer owner should have the knowledge for free.

If you buy a new computer with a Windows OS pre-installed you either receive a CD/DVD of said OS or you have the option to create one.

Read the manual.

Even if the recovery option is on a hidden partition you can create a backup of it which also leads to the next point:

If you store any critical data on your computer back it up to multiple hard drives or removable media. Everyday!

As long as you do the above reinstalling an OS is no big deal when worse comes to worse.

As you note it just takes time.