Windows 7: IE problems (Microsoft Security affected too)

I had to post this here because nothing from the sections indicated to me where to put it instead of here: my IE started to become slow and I think my Microsoft Security Essentials is connected in some way (or it's something else, and that's connected to what's going on to these two). My IE started to act slow today, to the point where it was only easy to close it, but not work it (searches, sites). Now it seems okay, but I still have no clue on what to do if it happens again.

Next is my Microsoft Security Essentials; it's been acting funny since last night. I did a quick scan, and most was done until it stopped at \\C:\\ (I think that's right), and once I closed it and then opened it up, it showed what it looked like when it froozed, and I hit "cancel scan" again, and it didn't do anything. So something is up with that.

I don't know if anything else is up from other things, I hope not. But I'll keep you guys updated. But does anybody have any clue on this?

Just to be sure I would download malwarebytes and run it. I dont think it is a malware issue but you cant be too safe.

BinkerNate,
* Please list what you other Security programs you are using including the Firewall.

* Did your computer come preinstalled with an Anti Virus program?
If so how was it removed?

* I agree with zigzag re running Malwarebytes free.
Download it from the link below, install & update immediately.
Run a full system scan & note the report at the end.{ This may take some time.}

Malwarebytes : Download free malware, virus and spyware tools to get your computer back in shape!

Re Internet Explorer...
Browse through the links below.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Issues

Internet Explorer - Reset

Ususally when IE slows down most any other net program will also show the same symptoms. I frequently run into periods when DNS is painfully slow making the browser seem very laggy. Of course if your on WiFi your speed can go up and down a LOT for several reasons (including using the microwave).

Next time your having a slowdown, open a command prompt and type in "nslookup www.google.com" and see how long it takes to respond. It should be virtually instant. (Can try other sites too, including the one you were going slow on).

If that's ok you can then type "tracert www.goole.com" in a command prompt (or whatever site) and that'll show you if/where on the net there are slowdowns in communications including possibly in your house or your ISP.

DNS is ususaly the main culprit, and if your ISPs DNS is laggy you can try using 8.8.8.8 (Googles DNS) or another open DNS server.

If traceroute shows errors or LONG ping times somewhere between you and your target on the net then there isn;t a lot you can do but wait for it to clear... Ping times should be probably 60-150, MAYBE 200ms or so, above that that's starting to be "slow".

I already have Malwarebytes. I did a quick scan and it found nothing. I should let you know right now and not forget later that running a full scan will cause it to freeze starting around the 20 minute mark. Others include the Microsoft Security Essentials, Hijackthis, and something called Windows Defender which isn't on. The firewall I have is Windows Firewall (Network Firewall).

I guess it is Microsoft Security Essentials as my Control Panel states it. Of course, because of this topic, it wasn't removed and still installed.

@fseal: I will do those once it happens again.

But what about Security Essentials? It stops at \\C:\\, even when IE is fine. What is that about and what should I do?

EDIT: It happened again, so I resetted IE. It feels different, and I'm trying to remember sites and adjust to the change. I did do this after doing those command ideas, but I couldn't read them. I still need help because regardless of the reset, it still happened again, and I don't want to restart my computer again and again. Firefox is fine, its just IE.

Other info: I'm on a cable line, and my brother has his own computer (we have two total) and its on wifi.

BTW, I'm on IE 9, wasn't there a IE 10? If so, I think I have to dl that again. Plus, the startnow search engine was originally here, now its google. Is there a way to get that back? Please help me.

EDIT2(8/27) : From 9pm last night to 3pm today, everything was fine until I started using my virus scan, starting with Malwarebytes, and Microsoft Security was the same. Still, Firefox isn't affected. Plus, it seems like my computer, which is quiet most of the time, is working on something when it can't be because either I'm watching something and chilling or just surfing on sites where that running noise from my tower wouldn't sound like this. Everything else is fine, but IE, Microsoft, and Malwarebytes; something is wrong. Does anyone need a hijackthis log? Would that help?

Hello?

Hi,

I would follow fseals advice and try the tracert command at this point.

Regards,
Golden

Do you have a System Restore point from before these problems started? If so, I'd try the restore point. A Guy

how long is system restore suppose to take? Its been going on for 2 hours now. I'm afraid to reset it or something.

EDIT: Nvm. It was done in 2hrs20mins. So far so good. But I'm going to go to bed right now, as taking naps didn't help my fears (lol), and I'll update if somethign happens.

If you're satisfied that the System Restore corrected the problems and everything is working the way it should, I'd strongly suggest you make a System Image. This is like a picture of your entire hard drive including the operating system, all installed programs, all updates, all of your personal data such as photos, documents, pesonal computer settings, etc. You could use the built in Windows 7 imaging tool or one of the free programs like Macrium, Paragon or EaseUS.

It's better to put the system image on an external hard drive so, yes, there's another monetary investment involved. But you can return your computer to the exact condition it was in at the time you made the system image in about 30 minutes or less. I think the investment is worth it. IMHO.