programs stopped working

First lets have a look at your Internet Explorer, I assume Internet Explorer 9. Ensure that you have no toolbars loaded these often cause Internet Explorer to crash. If its not Internet Explorer 9 you should update Internet Explorer to internet Exploer 9 (likely it will be as you are running WIndows 7). Follow the instructions here and manage the add-ons.

In the following list disable everything thats not Microsoft (except Bing, if the Bing toolbar is there disable it), Adobe or Java.

You will need to do a similar process for Google Chrome. Open Google Chrome and type chrome://chrome/extensions/ in the toolbar at the top and press enter, disable everything that you don't know.

For example I have adblock for Chrome (which is excellent) and you should get if you don't have. I also have a few additional Freemake extensions which I use.

Next download and install CCleaner (you don't need to pay for it the free version will do, select download from Piriform). Close all programs and run CCleaner.

Select Analyse and then run Cleaner.

This will clean out your temporary Internet Files and other files which can pile up and reduce system performance.

You can also run the registry cleaner within CCleaner.

Select Scan for Issues and then Fix Selected Issues. This will remove incorrect or invalid registry entries which can slow your system down. Note back up the registry when prompted. Most programs I don't trust as registry cleaners and have done more harm than good but CCleaner has never broke anything on any of my systems however ensure that you backup the registry when prompted.

In addition download and install Defraggler (you don't need to pay for it the free version will do, select download from Piriform). Close all programs and run Defraggler.

Select analyse and then defrag to remove fragmented files from your hard drive which can reduce system performance.

Next download and install Malwarebytes' AntiMalware (again just the free version).

Select Update and then click for Updates.

Select perform Full Scan. Scanning with Malwarebytes' will look for Malware and Potenetial Unwanted Programs and Remove them. The free version will do this.

The pro version of Malwarebytes' offers excellent realtime protection and I personally use it.

Try the steps above and then see how they respond.

Please also provide your model of Dell and what security software you are using. Also are you using any registry cleaning/optimisation programs (besides CCleaner)?

my model is N5110 and i am using norton internet security and i am using optimizer pro,dll fixer and clean registry.i have also downloaded advanced system protector

sometimes when i run other programs they take a lot of time and sometimes become unresponsive

i have tried restore. you mean i have to install windows again?

These programs have probably broke Windows:

• optimizer pro
• .dll fixer
• clean registry
• advanced system protector

Its common for users to install such programs and for everything in Windows to become non-responsive very similar to your experience. These programs do more harm than good avoid them as much as possible. Essentially these programs have broke Microsoft Windows. 

Thus I am going to assume your WIndows installation is a complete write off.

Back up all your personal Data onto an external hard drive.

Restore to the factory settings or perform a Clean Install of Windows.

To restore to the factory settings follow the instructions in my wiki Windows Reinstallation Guide (Section 8 - Page 420):

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19480753.aspx

Also see these videos

• How to Create a Recovery USB for your Dell/Alienware Computer [Video - Dell Travis]
• How to Restore Using Internal Restore Partition [Video - Dell Travis]
• How to Restore using USB Recovery [Video - Dell Travis]

Once you have restored to your factory settings uninstall McAfee and use the McAfee Removal Tool then restart your computer.

Install your Norton Security Suite and Malwarebytes' AntiMalware (free).

For optimisation programs install only CCleaner (free) and Defraggler (free). Do not install the 4 programs mentioned above.

To perform A Clean Install of WIndows a more involved install but generally of optimal performance follow the instructions in my wiki Windows Reinstallation Guide (Section 1 - Page 64):

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19480753.aspx

Install your Norton Security Suite and Malwarebytes' AntiMalware (free).

For optimisation programs install only CCleaner (free) and Defraggler (free). Do not install the 4 programs mentioned above.

when restoring,i can use dell datasafe local backup?

Yes I mean Restore to the factory settings and not the Windows system restore.

Follow these 3 videos:

Do this just in case and make a recovery USB and not a DVD:

• How to Create a Recovery USB for your Dell/Alienware Computer [Video - Dell Travis]

Restore using the Internal Factory Partition:

• How to Restore Using Internal Restore Partition [Video - Dell Travis]

I mention this in case the Internal Factory Partition doesn't work:

• How to Restore using USB Recovery [Video - Dell Travis]

but it demands a pen drive of at least 8GB which i donot have.i only have one which is 4GB.

ok thanks

You can use the DVDs but in general I have seen many users find them to be less reliable. 8 GB USB sticks are quite cheap. I suggest you to get one of these:

Transcend JetFlash 500 16 GB Green (UK Link)

Transcend JetFlash 500 16 GB Green (US Link)

Transcend JetFlash 500 8 GB Blue (UK Link)

Transcend JetFlash 500 8 GB Blue (US Link)

Sandisk 16 GB Cruzer (UK Link)

Sandisk 16 GB Cruzer (US Link)

Sandisk 8 GB Cruzer (UK Link)

Sandisk 8 GB Cruzer (US Link)

Note you can proceed directly to the restore using the internal recovery partition but I recommend having the recovery media created as something to fall back on should you encounter any problems.

hey i have restored factory settings and sometimes there is still some programs which says not responding and then starts