Programs/folders not responding

[Jorge]

I have a computer which I use mainly for my Flight simulators.
Since yesterday, any program or folder that I open, seemingly starts but
after a few seconds it freezes. In the task manager shows up as "not
responding".
When I try to end it, apparently it closes because the system offers the
option to report the incidence to Microsoft, but the screen continues there.
When I try to shut down the computer it shows randomly that the following
programs are not responding: MCI command handling, Connections tray, nView,
AE BaloonTip(?), explorer.exe, etc.
In the end it does not shut down, sometimes the screen goes black but does
not shut down.
Can I get some help.
Lots of thanks

 

[Leonard Grey]

Malicious software ("malware") could be installed on your computer.

Make sure that your anti-malware software is running, then download the
latest signatures and run a full scan.

If you don't have comprehensive anti-malware software that's like
driving a car without seats belts or air bags. Install comprehensive
anti-malware software and learn how to use its features. A
'comprehensive' solution scans for all types of malicious software in
the background, on demand and on schedule.

For now try scanning your system with /several/ of the better online
scanners, such as:
Kaspersky Antivirus (http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner)
Panda ActiveScan (http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan)

Download HijackThis from www.trendsecure.com. Run it, save a log, and
post the log at one of the many sites that support HJT, such as
spywarewarrior.com, bleepingcomputer.com, and temerc.com -- but not
here. Within a day, sometimes within an hour, you'll have one-on-one
step-by-step advice from a security expert on cleaning up any
infestations—or you'll have a clean bill of health from the volunteer
expert.

Even the best detection and removal software can't fix every malware
infection. If none of the above remove the infection, you may want to
show the computer to a professional.

 

[Jorge]

Leonard:

Thank you very much for your comprehensive advice. I have been using AVG
free edition for about a year. Should I move to a payware alternative?. In my
office I run MacAffee but it is so resource consuming that I really do not
like it.

Thanks again.

PD It has been many years since I have no seen the latin prhase you use in
your signature. Quite refreshing.