Here is my system specs: Dell Dimension 3000 Desktop PC (4 years old), Intel Celron 2.40 Ghz Processor, 2GB RAM, 37 GB Hard Drive (27 GB USED). High-Speed Cable Internet - 5 mbps, Norton 360 is my security software, and running Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 3.

The Problems: Slow start-up and slow internet loading. IE sometimes will not display some websites, so I have to switch to Firefox. I download AVG - the free version (someone recommended it). It does not work, it will not update, I have tried several times and it say that it cannot download because it cannot connect to the internet. Trust me, it is connected to the internet, so I don't know why it says that. And because it is the free version there is no support.

Anyone know what the actual problem is? Thanks!

Norton 360 is probably blocking AVG from connecting to the net. It is not a good idea to have two different anti virus applications running as they cause conflicts with one another.

If I remember rightly, Norton AV was a memory hog on start up as well, that could be causinfg the slowdown.

I would recommend Firefox over Internet Explorer, you can get a addon called IE Tab that will open sites that require IE 6 / 7.0.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419

Ucblogger, I need to know sir, are you confident in following technical instructions? If yes, please follow these:

1. Disconnect (abbrev. as DC from here on) ext. peripherals like scanners, printers, web cams and/or card readers, etc.

Leave the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and internet modem only!

2. Turn your PC on. If is loads alot faster you are using too much ext. peripherals that is taking up or using too much resource. If it doesn't, continue with Step #3.

3. Go Start > Run > Type-in msconfig > Click Ok.

4. Grab a pen and paper and start taking notes of the programs that has a check mark when you go to the Startup tab...

5. Then click on disable all.

6. Go to the Services tab, start taking notes again, and check Hide all Microsoft Services then click on disable all.

7. Click on Apply then click Close. Your PC will then ask you is you want to restart the PC, click on Restart.

The steps I have given you will terminate ALL programs that are set to start up together with your PC. This will allow your PC to boot up and start up required services only.

Now, here comes the hard part...

Go back to msconfig and go to the Startup tab... Remember the paper will all of your notes on it? You will use it... What you need to do is to put a check on the services that had a check earlier (before we disabled it) and click Apply then Close.... BUT you need to do this one by one.

Example, I go to Startup, originally service #1,2 & 3 are checked. After disabling the services and rebooting the PC, I will now check service #1... hit apply then close, reboot the pc... observe if the PC boots up slower again... if not... I go back to msconfig then to Startup then check service #2... hit apply then close... etc. etc. blah! blah! blah!

Logic? 1. We disable all startup programs & services to see just how much fast the PC can boot up. (2.) Once we have established or gauged how fast the minimal boot iup process takes (3.) we can now observe and identify what particular program or service is causing the delayed start up.

PS: I forgot to mention after you finish w/ the Startup tab... I NEED TO CHECK AND ENABLE THE SERVICES ONE BY ONE ALSO. SAME PROCEDURE AS MY EXAMPLE.

Pls. post feedback... please PM me just to mention that you have posted a feedback so I can read it and so that other people can read as well together w/ your posts are other helpers replies to yur post.

FYI: I have the SAME EXACT problem. I contacted Microsoft about SP3 and they say that not being able to connect to the internet is Microsoft's problem, it's not a problem with your computer. They say they're currently working on a solution for this irritating problem, but they will fix it soon. I have gone back to SP2 until they come out with a solution. Until then, follow JeM_from_RP's instructions as this may or may not help you. I have followed them myself and they, personally, did NOT work for me. But, it's worth a shot. No harm can be done if you follow his instructions as best as possible. Don't worry, this problem will be fixed!

right click the lil norton logo in bottom right (on taskbar) and click check for updates then clicks scans and click comprehinsive scan , just telling you to make sure your norton is updated ! i use 360 v2 its a huge resourse hog but i dont know where i would be without it!! i dont believe in useing 4 or 5 free programs to do the job of one! so i dont mind the resourses it hogs! plus your pc is plenty fast enough so norton probably aint the prob. thats all just my own opinionation! hope we can help!!

Hello,

Do you still require help with this issue/question?

Please post back if you do need further assistance.

JB.