Slow Application Startup

Recently, the computer was without anti-virus for a while, and my parents don't usually take the time to run a spyware scan. The operating system is Windows XP.

I have completely scanned for spyware (using spybot & adaware), scanned for viruses (Kaspersky AV), and scanned the registry (Registry mechanic).

When I attempt to execute any application, the computer takes between 30 through 5 minutes to actually execute the program. By watching the CPU usage, you'll notice that the CPU never really is working after you double click an executable. It takes about a few minutes before the CPU will actually begin rising above 1-5% to start the program.

These issues never actually appeared until the AV was out for long enough. Even though I have cleaned the computer free of viruses and spyware (I think), this problem still persists. I want to avoid any reinstallations of the operating system, so if someone could provide some suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

Better get a 2nd and 3rd opinion on the antivirus scans.

Housecall at TrendMicro
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hou.../start_corp.asp
Make sure you tick Auto Clean

BitDefender Free Online Virus Scan
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php
Make sure you tick AutoClean under Scan Options

Panda ActiveScan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/active...n_principal.htm
Make sure you tick Disinfect automatically under Scan Options

eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx


And do not be surprised if one finds something that the others do not find.

Save the logs if that opportunity is given.

They can be a big help at times.