Windows 7: Computer runs so slow after startup it is practically frozen.

I have a PC with an AMD Athalon II x2 255 processor 3.11 GHZ, 4 gb of ram, ATI Radeon HD 5670 Graphics card running on windows 7 32 bit OS.

Every time I startup the computer; whenever i try to do anything (access files or the Internet) it runs very slow and then eventually just freezes with the little blue circle just spinning around. Sometimes a browser window will open and I can access a page or a folder will open, but then it will eventually just run so slow it is practically frozen (with little blue circle still spinning).

I think it might be linked to my wireless Internet, the little Internet icon in the bottom right hand task bar is just stuck searching for a signal every time i start up (even if I wait 10 minutes).

I am using my laptop right next to the computer and it is picking up the wireless single fine.

If some one could help us out that would be great.

Thanks in advance

Hello and welcome Lucky Now we have some of the specs mate but it's real handy to have the lot including what softwares you are running especially security stuff.

The other thing is how old is it mate and is this an upgrade or a straight install?

Thanks for the reply ICit2lol,

My web browser is Opera, my security is Avast and the only other software I am using (after startup) is Microsoft Word. Though I do have a rain meter time, date and system info running on startup. But there are no other start up programs.

It is quite an old computer (2 years?) windows 7 is a straight install (no upgrade) and I haven't update windows in a while.

Oops, forgot to mention other software includes rocket dock and drop box.

Run your updates (I need to be better with this as well, but not installing them seems to make it sluggish), and I'd disable drop box at startup.

Ok mate well you really haven't got a lot on it then. Windows updates my friend should be set to auto I know they are a pain but everything is targeted these days even Office etc.

Well Windows updates a start but before that do you know if your Avast is up to date and running as you browse?

One or two thins also have you got any other security features on at all.

If you haven't then it might be an idea to download and run Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware both are free and don't take long.

If you haven't had a clear out for a long time try CCleaner it clears the machine of old cookies temp files and all that stuff that will clog up and slow down the works. However if you have sites with passwords then it is an idea to check for cookies for that site and save them. You do that by running Analayse in CC then go to Options pick cookies from the list on the left click on the ones you want to keep click on the small arrow in the centre column it will shift to the right and not be deleted. Go back to the brush and Run Cleaner. If you have never used it this may take some time be patient.

But first try the two security apps just to make sure something hasn't got past Avast - none of the AV's are totally foolproof.

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware download

SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware! < free edition

Run these two first and see what comes up. The CCleaner can come next

CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download < from piriform site