Hey everyone,

Just a few weeks back my computer was loaded with a few viruses and lots of adware....

It took me about 2 days no sleep to fix this..
I scan with Norton an no viruses. I downloaded this program called ad-aware 2007 made by lavasoft. I found about 180 adware threats. I deleted all of that, I'm (according to Ad-aware and norton) virus and adware free. But my computer has never been the same since. I mean I have a not so great computer, but it wasn't that bad. Now everytime i start up it takes about 15 min for me to actaully get started. I mean it boots fast but it take about 15 min for my in use light to calm down. It's really slow too. It take like 1-1 1/2 min. to open something. Is there something disguising itselft so it can't be caught by Norton or Ad-Aware? Also would this also affect internet? I have DSL and it is pretty slow. It used to be really fast

This can be caused by a lot of things. Hijacking is one of them, yes, but it could also be because of the processes that start up with Windows and all of the junk installed on your computer over time.

Norton Anti-virus is a major resource hog and that can slow your system down considerably if you have a low amount of memory (which you do by today's standards).

Take a look here and see if any of this information helps you to speed up your computer:

http://www.castlecops.com/t175256-S...

In regards to malware protection, check this out for tips on preventing infection:

http://wiki.castlecops.com/

Lian-Li PC61
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
AMD Athlon 3700+ San Diego @ 2.6 gHz stock cooling
eVGA 7800GT
2GB G.SKILL DDR400
WD Carviar 300gb SATA 3.0gb/s
Samsung 17" 740N Monitor
Dr. Peppe

Ok. will do..

I heard of this free anti virus
called avast. what do you think about that?

Thanks dude..
Yes, i have so much things installed on there it's sad

Avast! is actually a very good program as far as FREE anti-virus programs go. I'm an advocate for free anti-virus programs. Avast!, AVG, and AntiVir are all good ones. If you decide to go that route, that will speed up your PC some, but make sure that you completely remove Norton as any remnants left behind from the program can cause problems with other anti-virus programs. Norton offers a removal tool which is your best bet when removing it.

As far as spyware removal is concerned, Ad-Aware 2007, Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, SUPER AntiSpyware, and AVG Anti-Spyware are all good programs.

Lian-Li PC61
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
AMD Athlon 3700+ San Diego @ 2.6 gHz stock cooling
eVGA 7800GT
2GB G.SKILL DDR400
WD Carviar 300gb SATA 3.0gb/s
Samsung 17" 740N Monitor
Dr. Peppe

P.S. If you are looking to pay for an anti-virus program, NOD32 is probably the best out there in my opinion and it also has a low overhead (uses less resources).

Lian-Li PC61
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
AMD Athlon 3700+ San Diego @ 2.6 gHz stock cooling
eVGA 7800GT
2GB G.SKILL DDR400
WD Carviar 300gb SATA 3.0gb/s
Samsung 17" 740N Monitor
Dr. Peppe

OK. I think I know what is the problem. It is not the virus, spyware or a trojan on your machine. I think it is Norton!!!!!!! yes, norton is using to much of computer resources, and if your machine is not very new (as you have mentioned) this antivirus may cause really slow work of your copmuter. Try uninstalling it. Better use AVG.. it is free and is not worse than Norton and does not use system resources.

Thanks, Norton is going i don't care what i have to do. I was reading about AVG it is good, but I don't think it offers much things.

I will read about it again.
What do you guys think about Avast?

I'm a big Avast fan, there are a few here.

I rate it higher than AVG because while still being light on resources it is much more fully featured.

I have used in the past Norton, AVG, Mcaffee and when I found Avast I never looked back.

If you decide to go with Avast make sure you completely remove Nortons (you will probably need their removal tool). Let Avast schedule a boot-time scan upon installation and don't be surprised if it detects more malware.

Hope this helped you make your choice.

thanks guys. I think I will try avast first then go on and try AVG and so on. I'll see what help the most, but anyway Norton is OUT!!!