Internet Explorer extremely slow

dixiefly

I have a desktop and a laptop both of which have pretty similar specs. Same anti-virus software on both (enod). Generally both run at similar speeds loading webpages. However, in the last couple of weeks the desktop has become very very slow to the extent that it is not even loading some websites while the laptop hasnt changed. Same modem on both.
I connected the laptop using the cable used for the desktop and the webpages load ok. I erased the temp internet files, cookies etc and a disk cleanup and defrag of the hard drive.
The desktop is the machine used for the seldom time that i have downloaded torrents etc.

So something specific has happened to the desktop. Does anyone have any ideas as to what it is? If I cannot find the cause should I reinstall Vista though I dont have the disks. Should I look to get Windows 7 and do a complete install? Should I start using Google Chrome?

Any advice appreciated.

dun79

The first thing you should do is downlaod Spybot and scan, then do a full system virus scan.

if your thinking about geting windows 7 download Windows 7 90 day trial
you can run (slmgr /rearm) 5 times, if you use the all 10 days you get to activate. you can have win7 for 500 days for free.

dixiefly

Thanks for the feedback.
I have Superantispyware running. It was put on by a Tech guy in PC World. Is that sufficient instead of Spybot?

In the meantime I went into Msconfig and reduced a number of programs loading up into memory and that seems to have helped.

I will certainly try that Winows 7 trial. What do you mean by "you can run (slmgr /rearm) 5 times"?

Thanks

dun79

when your 90 day trial runs out, open command prompt as admin and run (slmgr /rearm)
and you'll get another 90 days, you can do this 5 times.