Windows 7: Firefox, explore.exe and general programs all Not Responding.

EthanK:

-First off, my computer specs:


Processor: Intel(R) duo 2 core
RAM: 2.00GB
Graphics Card: Nvidia Geforce GT520
Soundcard: Asus xonar Audio Device
Motherboard: Intel DQ965GF Motherboard
Memory: 200GB (free, approx 166)
(If any more is required, please let me know to assist in any ways I can)


Now, my problem appears similar to a lot of other users, but after doing a little bit of troubleshooting, I've come to realize its nothing of the usual. It happened about 2 weeks ago, almost out of nowhere.

The Problem:
Everything is slow. Computer programs, specifically Firefox, all load/start up sluggishly, freeze and slowly come back to life only to juggle around as the Not Responding error comes up. Windows task manager does the same along with the Explorer bar, Steam, my computer, control panel, search, start menu and any other program you can think of. I can no longer load up my computer without going into safe mode because the not responding error is so bad, it takes about 1 hour just to get onto the internet! Everything freezes up and I cannot do anything, I can't even Cntrl + Alt + Delete and log off without waiting a good 15 minutes!

But that's it really. Everything is slow and not responding. Truly, Frustrating beyond words.

Steps I've taken to fix/troubleshoot:

-Updated Drivers (although I'm having errors updating my motherboard, something with the system compatibility, but the problem arose before that, I should have been updated at the time).
-Reinstalled Windows 7 with a backup of my files, but not all of them and certainly not the ones that should be causing problems (although Steam was the first I noticed having issues, could be the problem, but not sure).
-Monitored my Task manager and downloaded windows kit thing to look at logs. (the not responding issue doesn't always give my computer lag spikes, but at first, it was horrendously increasing and decreasing from 90% to 1%.)
-Ran Malwarebytes in Safe Mode, (five times at first, and I used to have Norton, but I no longer have it because the registration expired and I have no money to update it)
Side note: I need a freeware anti-virus/anti-spyware program. Anybody recommend any good ones? A little important, but not part of the problem, just something I need help with.
-Updated the windows performance and adjusted for best.

I have done a bit more then what I listed, but I would like to retry them because I don't want to leave any stone unturned with this one.

In my current situation, (I'm a broke college student, so I NEED a computer), I cannot purchase any new computer or software to help fix the problem, so please, if you have a suggestion please keep it a freely assessable for now.

Just to let whomever know, I've played heavy CPU intensive games on this computer, had it since 2007 so about 5 years and the last problem I had involved a Rootkit. (That thing almost DESTROYED my computer before I got a new copy of Windows 7 and did a fresh new install). My computer normally is fine, had some issues here and there, but this one takes the cake.

Anything else worth Mentioning:

I've used Norton Utilities as a system defragger/registry cleaner and that sort of thing, but cannot now because of the registry, (also could use a freeware version that operates similarly).

Steam was the original program I noticed to have the problem. (couldn't play the new episode of The Walking Dead, as soon as I got the new episode installed was around the time the problem started I believe. (Not sure how a game could **** up my computer this bad).

After I reinstalled the OS again, things were fixed..... for about an hour. Then, before I restored my backup files, the problem proceeded just not as bad as it is now (and its really bad). I was never connected to the internet by that time.

I DID try to clean out some dust in my computer, but nothing got wrangled and tangled. My thoughts at the time of the problem was my computer is getting dusty or old and maybe thats just how things go.

Any and all help is truly the most appreciated thing in my life right now. I am no computer wizard, so I leave it to the internet for some wise words of helpfulness. I also use my computer alot, so the sooner the problem is fixed the better.



-Ethan

In safe mode open a cmd prompt and run sfc /scannow

I'm thinking you need to format, and re-install your OS

other than that it is a 5 + year old system might be hardware related but I'd start with this

Clean Install

and go from there...

Malwarebytes free trial For your anti-v but if your computers basically coming to a hault.

1> Virus Scan
2> Through Clean through of registry old drivers programs hidden files delete them
3> Tune up utilities offer a 15 day free trial and i have loved this program deletes anything that should be there helps repairs registry files and system files and optimizes system

TuneUp Utilities 2012 - Download

Alright, I'm going to try to do another clean install, but this time make sure it goes back to factory conditions. If this ends up fixing anything, you'll hear from me soon. If not, may be a while before I can reply because my computer has gotten so slow that I cannot even load my email without it freezing on and off consistantly.

Well, I think I've run into yet another problem.

So I left the installation of Windows 7 to run and when I got back to it I had an error page saying something about a hardware or software error. I assume the installation didn't go correctly or something and now I have a new error when I try to boot up normally.

Bootmnr missing

Ctrl + Alt + Delete to restart.


Any idea on how to bypass this current issue?

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free antivirus program (link in my signature below).

Was the file called BOOTMGR?

BOOTMGR starts the loading of the operating system if so.

You will need to do a Repair Install with the installation disc for Windows 7.

Hope this helps,

Harry

I don't believe so. The error mentioned a KERNEL of some sort. I don't really remember the error completely, but that one stood out. The only error I have no is the BOOTMNR is missing and I think it may be unrelated to my original issue.

I believe the kernel error could be due to a corrupted or missing NTOSKRNL.EXE file, and therefore a Repair Install will be able to replace these missing files.

Try the Repair Install and then post back your results.

Alright will do. It's probably going to take all day to get the install finished, but once its done I'll post it asap.

Okay, hope it resolves your problem (: