To help troubleshoot this problem, try starting your computer in Safe Mode with Network Support and then browse the web.  Let us know if the problem is still present.  If it is not, then it tells you that something is running in the background or loading from the registry that is causing the problem and we can proceed from there.

 

Steve

This means that there is something running in the background in Normal mode that is slowing your internet connection.   Are you running antivirus software with the latest virus definitions?   Have you checked your system for spyware with at least two antispyware programs? 

 

Steve

Steve,

 

Did exactly what you suggested and the problem no longer exists. The speed of my internet connection / surfing is back to the speed that I am used to / expect. Thank you for this 1st step. :)

 

What do I do now?

 

Your help is hugely appreciated.

Regards

Andrew

I have McAfee which seems to run automatically whenever I turn the computer on.

Which other ones would you suggest?

I really am an idiot when it comes to this stuff and I thank you again for your patience and help

Andrew

I suggest you go Here and follow the directions to download and run the analysis tool called HijackThis. Generate a log file, then open it and copy and paste the text of the log file in a message in the HijackThis forum where a HijackThis expert can offer advice on how to fix the problem.

 

Steve

The problem is that there are way too many people that are getting infected with garbage off the internet and way too few experts that can help get rid of the problems.   Have you tried downloading and running the free Microsoft Defender from the Microsoft web site?

 

You can also try one of the following forums where they deal with HijackThis logs:

 

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html

 

http://forums.spywareinfo.com/

 

http://www.castlecops.com/forum67.html

 

Steve

Hi Steve,

 

Am having not much luck with responses to the HiJack This Log (none to be precise) and I am increasingly reliant on my PC.  Is there another forum / Dell support-person or someone that can be contacted dorectly with regards to my slow-down issue.

 

Thanks as always for your advice

Regards

Andrew

Steve,

 

Just wanted to say Thank you for your help and advice - Apologies it took me so long to reply.

The HiJack This 'fix' has seemingly done the trick thanks to a response from someone on Castlecops. My IE spped is back although file downloads from email is slower than normal - thats another issue!

 

Thanks again

Andrew

Thanks for letting us know that the problem was fixed.  Hopefully you got some good advice on how to protect yourself from infections in the future.  Good luck.

 

Steve