whats a good anti virus/ spware program i can buy at best buy thats effective and doesnt slow down the start up as much as norton? THANKS
The best advice? Do what BSAM suggests, download and run Microsoft Security Essentials. Then reformat your hard drive. I have very little confidence in any "anti-virus" to help you. It could happen, I just am pessimistic. As far as future prevention goes...your router's hardware based firewall is more capable than any software based solution. Add a sandbox like the one that comes free with Chrome and you're golden. This is my opinion and it's worth what you paid for it. I do not use any anti-virus software...I run XP with it's firewall turned off, automatic updates turned off, and no anti-virus installed. If you are getting the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) note what error code(s) it gives you. In my experience your problems may not always be a virus. Memory can go bad and cause problems like freezing.