Locking up, no restart, etc.

[ellenc]

For the past week I've been having problems with my machine locking up and showing the hourglass icon. I've been having to shut down manually continually as the restart button is not working. This
is happening in Thunderbird, Firefox and with various Word docs. Also, it takes almost at least two minutes for a file to open. This is a new Dell with Windows 7 Professional 64. The prospect of a clean install is scary. As always, many thanks for any help you can give me. ellenc

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello Ellen I think for starters you might try something really basic - see these
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html < if necessary include the /f and /r in the command line as per Option2
Run these in safe mode and the sfc often best run for two to three runs

if no go these

SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!
Malwarebytes | Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium
AdwCleaner Download
ADW download from bleeping computer delete any rubbish found with the malware scans
(NB If you are running Kaspersky as the main AV then it might need disabling it when trying ADW because it does not like it at times)

 

[Eric3742]

And to add on as ICIT2LOL mentioned,
You may have to go to Windows Updates to check if there is an important updates.
Do the Windows updates first.

This SUPERAntiSpyware is good to remove nasty items.
Been using for years to clear after surfing, as the freeware is not active.
Meaning, you need to run yourself whenever you like, and on the main screen, do "Check for updates" before run.
You need to go to "Scan this Computer" and select "Full Scan" option.
After this, do a regular and faster scan by select "Quick Scan" option, which take <5 minutes.
I used this a few ago after my friend complain on having problems, and after that, system is fine & stable.
So i just decide to get paid version to use as my main Internet security.


Edit: do FULL SCAN on first use.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yep as Eric has said mate I use SAS as a free ware because I run Kaspersky AV and it doesn't pick the small stuff up. Same goes for the MBAM. The ADW is really thorough but you could go on and on with the add ons I just find those three I find the best.

I was pinning more on the sfc and chkdsk to pick up the problem to be honest.

 

[ellenc]

My thanks to all of you for taking time to help me. I'll be following your advise soon. This is such a great forum -- the best, thanks to you. ellenc

 

[ICIT2LOL]

No worries Ellen and if you don't mind losing a bit of the "bling" like transparency this tutorial will make the machine faster and more efficient. I personally use the tutorial tips and tweaks on all my machines where they are applicable. If you get bogged down with anything in it just ask in that thread/tutorial.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html