Browsers freezing -- related to malware & virus protection?

Hi again!

After my recent saga with malware on my 6 year old Dell running XP home edition, I've installed COMODO and Spyware Terminator and updated AVG Free, so I should be decently protected, I think.

But now I have a persistent problem with my internet browsers (IE and Firefox) freezing a LOT -- and it seems to be getting worse.

I'm wondering if I've installed too much, or too redundant protection systems, perhaps?

When browsing every page takes a little longer than I'm used to to load, but any little thing seems to cause the browser to freeze. It can be a picture trying to download, opening an extra tab or window, or sometimes (it seems) just an impatient extra mouse click somewhere that will cause the browser to go "not responding".

Then, if I go to Task Manager the browser will appear TWICE in the applications list. Always. And always it will appear there are two copies running the same page: one listed as "(not responding)" and the other looks normal.

I cannot force them to shut down. I have to reboot. I can force them to shut down by logging off the user, but it seems that when I log in and run that browser again, it always freezes immediately.

This particular problem never happened before I installed all this protection software, hence my belief that I've gone a bit too far, or have a conflict with it somewhere.

Any thoughts? Many thanks in advance!

-Sam

 

Hi Sam, the latest AVG could be to blame for this, worst version for years, as far as I'm concerned. Try Avast, Avira or Microsoft Security Essentials instead.

Use the AVG removal tool to ensure it's cleaned out.

 

Heh. I've had such trouble getting rid of AVG (even with it removed, some programs believe it is still running) I hesitate to even try, but I'll give it a go.

I just found that if I force Spyware Terminator to exit, I can un-freeze Firefox and start a new session without rebooting.

Wonder if I have some setting wrong?

 

Hi Sam1911, no, you don't have any settings wrong, it is the AVG.. It really is causing a mess! My suggestion, would be to totally remove it, and then go with AVAST! Avira or Microsoft Security Essentials instead.

I 'had' AVG, and removed it and went with AVAST! Best decision I ever made. The AVAST is very EASY to use, does automatic updates, and even scans. Also, very low on resources.

 

Wonderful advice, THANKS!

Avast seems to be working fine with Spyware Terminator running right beside. Everything is smooth and hassle-free, so far.

Much obliged!

-Sam