Computer startup errors

Just finished installing Malwarebytes and ran a quick scan. It found 3 threats, but must restart the computer to remove them.

I restarted the computer like Malwarebytes reccommended, and the problem persists. Now it is taking even longer to start up. I'm currently on my roommate's computer. Attached is what my computer screen has looked like for the last 5 minutes.

OK, don't worry too much, but a startup repair can take a long time depending on which files need to be repaired.

Check this tutorial, which describes how to run the startup repair.

Startup Repair

Be aware that you need to run it three times with a reboot between each one.

Take note it can take some time and you might decide that a factory restore is a quicker option.

It seems to have started up fine now. After logging in to my account (which took much longer than usual), the only apparent problem other than the lag is that the clock is two hours behind. There was no system restore, though it did ask me to perform one (I declined). Every program I try to open is entirely unresponsive - including Firefox, iTunes, and Symantec. The only program that works is Sticky Notes. I'm afraid to turn off my computer again

Did you run the Startup Repair three times with a reboot between each one?

You may also want to run a Dell diagnostic check.

Dell PC Diagnostics | Dell

Just click the Run Diagnostics button in the link.

I was doing the Startup Repair, but canceled it because I'm a extraordinarily impatient...

My programs finally opened successfully, and the clock is even right; however, I once again needed to update my Symantec even after doing it 4 times today. As of right now, my computer appears to be working fine. After running the diagnostics check, I plan on turning it off and then back on - if it starts up without a problem, I think I'll be okay. However, if it begins the Startup Repair again, I'm going to suck it up and let the SR run to its fullest.

It has been known for a Startup Repair to run for days rather than hours.

I realise it's frustrating, but if you run it as per the tutorial, I'm sure you'll see the benefit.

It is important to run it three times with a reboot between each occurrence.

Patience is a virtue! :)

You might even want to consider giving up Norton and using Microsoft Security Essentials instead.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/w...ity-essentials

It's free and many of us run it in conjunction with Malwarebytes.

Anyway, however you approach things, please do keep us posted as to how you get on - it seems we're making progress.

Well right now I'm running the diagnostic scan (which played a completely unnecessary full-screen animation of a little guy running around computer hardware) and so far, so good. When it's done, assuming everything passes, what should I do? I'm completely dumbfounded

If everything passes you'll know you haven't got a hardware problem.

I'll still feel happier knowing you've run the startup repair in the manner I asked you to.

Probably should do that. I'll turn off my computer and boot it back up. If it doesnt prompt me to do Startup Repair, should I do it with the disk?