my computer has slowed down and takes forever to
perform functions and open applications. any tips? Ive already tried defragmenter and disk clean up.

Hi Shields, welcome to SAF

You may try a system restore if this just happened. I would also suggest you to run updated versions of AdAware SE and Spybot S&D (one at a time) and clean anything that may be found.

It will not hurt if you perform some housecall online virus check.

Post back if you need instructions on how to do that.

Chris

Links to the above programs are below in my signature. Update each program before you run it. If anything malware is found by any of the three scans, have the program remove the malware. Then download HijackThis. Copy the log and paste it into this thread. This way, we can see any remaining malware.

Here's a useful link
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm