Browser Freezes - Firefox, Opera

[Ivo]

Hello,
I was having problems with my Firefox browser for weeks
It began freezing with increasing frequency, I noticed it was happening mostly on sites like youtube, yahoo and I think some flash heavy websites.
At one point the first thing it did once started up was to freeze
I tried some Mozilla forums but without much help, so I changed my browser to Opera two weeks ago.
What's awful however is that yesterday the browser started hanging and not responding much like Firefox did before.
I scan my system with Norton regularly and run the Registry and Disc cleaner from Norton Utilities often.
It also froze on me while in Safe Mode - Windows 7.

I have no idea what the problem could be, and I need help.
There's nothing more frustrating than having your browser freeze unexpectedly while doing work

[Allan]

The fact that it happens in safe mode is troubling. Is the only problem the browser freezing? If so, my first thought is malware. If not, it could be the hd or ram or some other hardware issue.

I suggest full scans with both your anti virus app AND with MalwareBytes.

Also, if you are using a registry cleaner (as you say you are), it's possible that is causing problems for you. Registry cleaners do not fix problems, the cause them.

[Ivo]

The fact that it happens in safe mode is troubling. Is the only problem the browser freezing? If so, my first thought is malware. If not, it could be the hd or ram or some other hardware issue.

I suggest full scans with both your anti virus app AND with MalwareBytes.

Also, if you are using a registry cleaner (as you say you are), it's possible that is causing problems for you. Registry cleaners do not fix problems, the cause them.

Thanks Allan, I had no idea registry cleaners could cause issues so I'm definitely re-evaluating that practice.
Only problem I'm experiencing is with browsers yes, everything else appears to be working normal.
I did a full system scan yesterday after Opera started acting up and found one tracking cookie but noting else
I will try MalwareBytes as well and keep posted, I just hope it's not a hardware issues cause that would be a real hassle

[Allan]

If it's only the browsers it probably is not a hardware problem.

[Linux711]

Just to be sure about it not being a hardware problem, you might download speedfan and check your temps.

[Allan]

If it was a hardware problem it would effect more than the browser. But there's no harm in checking anyway.

[Ivo]

If it was a hardware problem it would effect more than the browser. But there's no harm in checking anyway.

Well It's not a malware problem either,  MalwareBytes couldn't find anything and the browser continues to freeze up

[Allan]

Well It's not a malware problem either,  MalwareBytes couldn't find anything and the browser continues to freeze up

Did you scan with an anti virus app?

[Ivo]

Did you scan with an anti virus app?

Both with Malwarebytes, Norton Anti-Virus and Norton Power Eraser on the off-chance that a particularly stubborn virus is causing this.
They found nothing and browser keeps freezing on me
What is the chance that a codec or some flash plug-in is causing this, because it seems to freeze up often on flash based websites?

Just to be sure about it not being a hardware problem, you might download speedfan and check your temps.

I use RealTemp, and haven't seen anything out of the ordinary.

[soybean]

I suggest you install the CPU Meter gadget for Windows 7.  With it, you can observe fluctuations in CPU and memory usage while you working with your computer.  That might yield a clue to what's causing the problem.  Flash heavy sites will commonly cause some noticeable fluctuation in CPU usage. 

BTW, what are the hardware specs for your computer?

[Ivo]

I suggest you install the CPU Meter gadget for Windows 7.  With it, you can observe fluctuations in CPU and memory usage while you working with your computer.  That might yield a clue to what's causing the problem.  Flash heavy sites will commonly cause some noticeable fluctuation in CPU usage. 

BTW, what are the hardware specs for your computer?

Hi Soybean,
It's an Acer Aspire laptop,
Intel Core2 Duo CPU T6600 @ 2.20GHz,
4,0GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 240M
I actually have the CPU meter gadget and when Opera becomes not responding,  the CPU usage gets to something like 14-20% while normally it's 5-10% when just browsing. The memory usage stays the same, something between 40-50%.
It also freezes quite often once every five minutes maybe and for 5-10 seconds at a time

[Ivo]

*bump

Hope somebody has any idea/suggestion that might help

[Salmon Trout]

*bump

Hope somebody has any idea/suggestion that might help

Yes let's hope so... bumping is not really advised. It actually does more harm than good.