Windows 7 - Certain applications take awhile to open

So recently (last week) I have noticed my system starting to act strange. Applications such as Winamp, iTunes, Spybot etc. take anywhere between 10-20 minutes to open.

The process displays but the memory fluxuates a lot slower (numbers change every 10-20 seconds). When it finally opens it usually runs fine apart from it freezing sometimes for a couple seconds. There are times after I boot up that iTunes and other programs respond instantly like they used to.

Sometimes creating a folder/text file or even deleting a folder/text file results in the file staying visible and when clicked it prompts me with a message that the file isn't there. Refreshing the folder or desktop removes said file, I don't know what's causing all this, any help is appreciated.

Remember to turn off the power first (at the wall socket also)!
Make sure that you touch the metal PC case to dissipate static, BEFORE touching your RAM.


Make sure that all of your RAM sticks, power and data cables are properly seated in their sockets.

Your HDD may be faulty or worn out.

Try running "Error checking" on it.

Right click on the HDD icon and select "Properties" from the context menu.

Could be a RAM issue. What are your system specs? You may need to defrag your drive if you're running off an HDD. You should use Defraggler from Piriform. You could also have a virus buggin you up. Do a scan with HitmanPro. Before doing any of that, I recommend clearing your temp files and fixing registry errors with CCleaner, which is also found on the Piriform site (:

Everything seems to be fine with my HD and RAM. It seems that it's mainly happening with media applications like Windows Media Player, iTunes and Winamp. WMP & Winamp seem to open straight away however they end up freezing and becoming unresponsive where as iTunes just takes a long time to open.

Maybe you could run "Task Manager" (split screen) and a program that has the problems (e.g. Winamp).
Have "Task Manager" set to the "Processes" tab and check to see if any processes are suddenly using up all of your CPU.
You'll have to click on the link to see the picture.

Attachment 194911

Is your AV program working properly?

Have you tried using a registry cleaner (e.g. CCleaner, Glary Utilities, etc.) to clean up your "Registry" and junk files (remember backup the Registry when it asks you)?
This is a controversial option (I've never had any problems with registry cleaners, but other members have).

Can you restore your PC to a date before the problem started using a "System Restore" point?

Do you remember if you installed any new software or updates, just before the problem started ("Programs and Features" should show you the install dates)?
If so, try uninstalling and reinstalling.

Do you have any HDD images that you can use to reimage your HDD?

You may have to reinstall Windows.

Disabled all my startup programs and it fixed the issues.

Cheers to everyone who tried to help me resolve the issues.

Sigh, scratch that. A few reboots later, the problem has started again.

I can't understand why only a few programs are being affected, sometimes on reboot the problem is gone then another reboot presents the issues again.

Which security software you are running on your system??

Finally found the issue, it was a copy of Black Ops in my DVD drive that was causing the issue.

Everything is running normal now.