Computer running very slow over past few months

audi said:

It's Norton fault. Never install Norton.

that we do not know to be true, however, many times Norton is the source of problems.

Let us await the requested files to see what else may be responsible, either jointly or alone.

This thread is 3 months old o.0

If you want to speed up your computer and not have to worry about installing anything, some excellent pointers by Brink are listed here: Optimize Windows 7.

I'm sure the OP Ralph is wondering why he is getting Sevenforums emails once more after 3 months

I would recommend MSE simply because it runs well. Some antivirus software are more heavy on resources, slowing your computer down. MSE is very light weight. If you want added protection without bogging down your computer, use Malwarebytes as well: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php

Generally speaking, the less programs you have installed, the faster the computer. Also the less startup programs, etc. All listed in the optimize tutorial. Try it out.

PS. 4 GB memory isn't fast at all. You might try adding more, say 2GB for a total of 6. 8GB would be very fast. That may be your problem to begin with, Audi. And depending on which i5 processor you have, some could be quite slow, relatively speaking. And depending on what 2GB GPU you have, it could also be pretty slow. 2GB is pretty high and usually reserved for good cards, but I'm not sure what card you have. The card will effect video, but the speed will come mostly from the CPU and RAM.

True, more expensive machines usually perform better...

The optimize tutorial is a good idea. you by no means should do everything suggested. if you, while looking through it, notice something you are willing to do without in order to increase speed or other such change, it may be worth it.