Everything's So Slow.

[Guest]

I just installed SP2 on my Dell Dimension, and all of a sudden it takes
literally 2 minutes to open any application including Outlook, Word and Excel
-- as well as Folders, and other Windows files (like the control panel).

Not sure if this has anything to do with SP2, or if I have some horrendous
spyware, virus or adware (am suffering from acute pop-up-itis).

Can anybody recommend a way to find out what gives? I am extremely
non-technical, but very frustrated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

"Protect Your PC"
www.microsoft.com/protect

 

[monkeythatpullstheswitch]

Run an Anti-Virus Program, free ones are AGP and Avast. Run a firewall,
Sygate has a free one and so does ZoneLabs (ZoneAlarm, but, in my opinion
Sygate is better), install and run Spybot S&D and Lavasoft's Adaware. Keep
all updated. Also, download and run Pop-Upstopper Free and go to
www.grc.com for his "Shoot the messenger" utility. Also download and install
Spywareblaster (and you might use Spywareguard along with it).

 

[monkeythatpullstheswitch]

Sorry, that's AVG not AGP (thinking of graphic cards, heh).