The first thing is to run Disk Cleanup (Start > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup). Get rid of files you don't need (it won't hurt to empty Temporary Internet Files folder, too). Then run defrag. Actually, it is best to reboot into Safe Mode to run defrag (just repeatedly press F8 when it reboots for Safe Mode option). Run defrag from there, then restart the system normally.
Also, do you have Spybot or AdAware installed? If not, you should get one (I use AdAware....free version). You can get it at
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ In case you are not familiar with AdAware, I'll let you know what to do (hope I'm not repeating what you already know
):
Make sure the following settings are made and on -------"ON=GREEN"
From main window :Click "Start" then " Activate in-depth scan"
then......
click "Use custom scanning options>Customize" and have these options on: "Scan within archives" ,"Scan active processes","Scan registry", "Deep scan registry" ,"Scan my IE Favorites for banned URL" and "Scan my host-files"
then.........
go to settings(the gear on top of AdAware)>Tweak>Scanning engine and tick "Unload recognized processes during scanning" ...........then........"Cleaning engine" and "Let windows remove files in use at next reboot"
then...... click "proceed" to save your settings.
Now to scan itīs just to click the "Scan" button.
When scan is finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. .(Right-click the window and choose"select all" from the drop down menu) then press next and then say yes to the prompt, "Do you want to remove all these entries." Then close AdAware
I do this every time I go offline.
This may clear up the problem. If not, repost and I'll check on some other things you can do.
