You have the signs of a over loaded file system BUT you may have malware but do not panic. Software maintenance is a must. I use the following software and it keeps my system online. Best part is it is all free.
Also keep in mind this is for windows XP but there is versions of all of this software for Vista as far as I am aware of.

Anti Virus: Avast Home 4.8
I have tried all the others including Norton (gag me) and PC Cillin by Trend Micro and Avast has CONSISTENTLY caught stuff other software missed.
Adaware 2008: Good for busting up adware and spyware. Its scanner can get a lot of real crap out of your system.
Spybot Search and Destroy: Same as Adaware but its protection is a little different in that it shields your registry from changes but it can be a little annoying. Cannot be used in conjunction with Adaware. Between the two it is one or the other.
Spyware Blaster: Blocks a lot of junk from getting in. A decent program.

Now for the clean up software.
Lexun Regscrub XP: A very good registry cleaner.
C Cleaner: This is one you really need. It clears out files and folders that are just taking up space on your computer.
Clear Program: Clean up temp folders and other crap as well as that pesky Index.dat file.
Trojan Killer: As the name implies

And for a pay to use program I use
Error Expert: Does a lot more than registry cleaning!

For power tweaking (unlocking hidden features) Windows XP
Tweak UI

And one last piece of recommended software'
Unlocker Assistant: Can't access a locked file or get rid of a problem folder? Well, not any more.

This software should enhance your internet experience a lot. If your computer has bugs in it this stuff will get them. You save a wheelbarrow full of money and can do all of it yourself. Read the instructions and get your computer back!!!

ohhhhhhhhh.. ..thank you most kindly Dear


I will ask Rob, my computer guru
about those suggestions you made


i really really appreciate your advice


and any other wise suggestions any one else can make

get rid of internet explorer and download trojan hunter

Sometimes your network just runs slow,some days mine will be fast and sometimes it will run slow no matter what you do.

thank you Adam.. ..for your advice


i will tell my Computer Guru about this and see what he says

You can try and do a system restore.

Just go to start > all programs > system tools>

system restore then choose: restore my computer to an earlier state > click next.
Just restore your computer to an earlier date when your computer was running fine.

Lets say your computer was running great on 11/06
just choose that date or an earlier date on the
calender that it will show you.

The computer will do the reset and restore your computer to that working date. Dont worry you cant mess up your comptuter doing this. If this dont fix the lag then just go back and reset your computer to the current date. Lets say you do the system restore on 11/7 then just go back and restore it to that date by going back to the system restore setting and choosing 11/07 on the calender and you'll be right back where you started from.

Its easier than you think. The computer will do everything.

Hey there Gab.. .thank you so much


and your first post...no less


to what do i owe the honor ?




soo, actually there is much good to be had

for a lady to not know much about computers...


i get all the fine chivalrous guys


coming by trying to help Rapunzel


the forlorn damsel in distress...