Windows 7: Asus u56e Laptop Hangs/Freezes

I have an Asus u56e laptop I got back in December 2011, and recently I did I clean reinstall of my system because it kept freezing and locking up while simply just browsing the web and listening to iTunes. I don't use this laptop for games, but after the clean install, I updated all my drivers, software, windows updates, etc. and I still get hangs and freezes that last 5 seconds to sometimes a full minute and all I'm doing is listening to music and browsing websites with maybe two or three tabs open in Firefox. I really have absolutely no idea what could be wrong so I came here seeking any kind of much needed help and assistance. I don't have a lot of programs installed and I don't run a lot of programs at once, just maybe one or two apps usually. My problem is I will be browsing on Firefox listening to music, then iTunes will hang for a few seconds and the music freezes, then Firefox freezes too sometimes for a few seconds also, then it goes back to normal, and this happens very very frequently to the point of frustration and I simply don't understand why a new clean laptop would have an issue such as this. Bad hard drive? Bloatware from Asus? I haven't the slightest idea, but any help would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

dswhite,
Welcome to SevenForums.

Double-posting is extremely frowned upon.

Please do not double post. I've reported the double-post and I'm sure the two will be merged.

Submit the following please:

Install CCleaner:
CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

list of STARTUP PROGRAMS

CCleaner | Tools icon | Startup button | Windows tab |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side) |
accept Startup.txt as file name | SAVE button

list of SCHEDULED TASKS

CCleaner | Tools icon | Startup button | Scheduled Tasks tab |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side) |
enter Scheduled Tasks as File name | Save button

List of INSTALLED PROGRAMS

CCleaner | Tools icon | Uninstall button |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side) |
accept install.txt as File name | Save button


UPLOAD the startup.txt file
UPLOAD the Scheduled Tasks.txt file
UPLOAD the install.txt file.

HOW TO UPLOAD
Post a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums

My apologizes for the double post. Thank you for the quick reply though. Here is what you asked for from CCleaner hope it helps.

UNINSTALL

REBOOT!


REMOVAL OF P2P PROGRAMS

There are signs of one or more P2P (Peer to Peer) File Sharing Programs on your computer.

As long as you are using any form of P2P networking to download files, you can anticipate malware infestations.

References citing the risk of using P2P programs:
How cyber criminals infect victims via P2P with pirated software on Vimeo
Malware: Help prevent the Infection
Perils of P2P File Sharing
How to Prevent the Online Invasion of Spyware and Adware

I strongly recommend that you uninstall:
µTorrent
BitTorrent
Vuze

Sorry about missing links. Will switch back to Firefox. Chrome has a bug.

How cyber criminals infect victims via P2P with pirated software on Vimeo
Malware: Help prevent the Infection
Perils of P2P File Sharing
How to Prevent the Online Invasion of Spyware and Adware


Now in Firefox and links shown.

WIN | type MSCONFIG |ENTER| STARTUP tab

Uncheck ALL except for:
REBOOT!

Go back in to the list of scheduled tasks in CCleaner and DISABLE ALL.

REBOOT!

I just did everything you suggested. Anymore suggestions or now do we sit and wait to see if anything does or doesn't happen

I await your report that all is well.

If it isn't then once again run ccleaner to generate a fresh set of files to upload.