Hi,
Perhaps most obvious would be the removal of the security centre software
provided to you by Comcast. It wouldn't be unusual for such programs to cause
(at best) a noticeable decrease in the performance of Internet Explorer.
However, to be sure, please read the steps at the end of this message on dealing
with spyware / adware. Following those instructions will remove any third party
programs which could be causing problems, and allow us to properly isolate and
diagnose this issue.
Once you've ensured your system is cleared from spyware or other unwanted
programs, we can examine the software in question, and see if we can find
alternatives or configurations that cause less of a slow down.
And remember, if you have any other questions or comments, do not hesitate to
ask,
Altrus
(To remove spyware, or other programs that could be slowing you down, please
read and follow the steps below)
You may first want to remove any third party helper
objects. This is best done by a program called BHOCop. It,
along with the rest of the programs, are freely available.
You can download BHOcop, and view an introduction to it,
from the following sites:
Download from:
http://support.honour.ca/bin/bhocop.zip
Introduction at:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,97081,00.asp
Once you download the file, run it, and install the program.
Then remove all objects you find that you are not familiar
with.
We'll now have you download some programs which shall aid
you in the actual removal of spyware programs which may be
running (and causing these problems).
First, download AdAware. This is an excellent program which
detects and deletes spyware, and other malware programs.
AdAware is available from:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
After downloading and installing AdAware, *be sure to update
it*. This will ensure you are protected against the latest
threats. Then, run it.
Some versions can be particularly malicious - removing them
can cause you to lose your internet connection. Therefore,
we'll download the next two programs as precautionary
measures. If, after running these programs, you are unable
to connect to the internet, you may need to run these
programs to fix the connection.
They are available here:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
and
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions for the last program can be found here:
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
Note: You'll only need to run these programs in the event
that removal of the evil programs causes some good
components to break. Otherwise, you can safely continue:
Next, we'll get CWShredder. This neat program catches
variants which may have been missed by AdAware. CWShredder
is available from:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/cwshredder.zip
Once again, be sure to update it to ensure the latest threat
protection.
Lastly, you may find it necessary to rename your HOSTS file.
This step is used if you find yourself unable to connect to
specific sites. Instructions can be found here:
http://support.honour.ca/ldbh.solutions.php#blockers
The above procedures should help you remove these programs
and return your computer to a functional state.
More information about Adware and Spyware is available here:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Once you are finished, you are encouraged to run a full system scan with your
antivirus product to ensure that you also clean up and virii which may be on
your computer.
---
EOM
: I recently installed a program called "security center" from Comcast (my high
: speed internet provider) in order to put parental controls on. Ever since
: then my internet explorer 6.0 works very sluggishly if at all. Other
: computer is my house using same connection is working fine. I since removed
: the program and it does not help. Any suggestions of what to do?
