[flingwings67]

I have a friend that is using windows XP Home on a desktop. It is hooked up to DSL via wire. Periodically and without warning the system will drop the IM (Yahoo but also MSN) or show it not on line, then come back on line. This happens even when we are chatting. Her system is running slow most of the time. This relates apparently to the internet. My gut feel is the computer or the connection is the problem but can't seem to isolate it beyond that. She has the yahoo/norton virus/spyware (yeah I know, change that to Avast or something). Here is what we have tried to fix the problem.

1. Checked all the connections to insure they are properly in place and aren't working loose

2. Contacted her ISP. They changed their box.

3. Removed and reinstalled the IM software.

I am sure there is more but I am trying to do this long distance. Is there a shareware repair utility she can run? What do you suggest we try next?

Thanks for your help.

[SpiritWind]

Hi "Fling" :
The 2 Main Causes of a "slow(ing)" computer are : 1) unnecessary programs ; 2) Malware . In addition,
Norton product(s) put "stress" on a computer, since they take up a lot of the computer's memory which
MAY be causing the erratic IM "behavior" . Best to get a "2nd Opinion" when it comes to "detecting"
serious Malware on a computer, and I strongly encourage your friend to install the FREE Version of
"SUPERAntiSpyware" from http://www.superantispyware.com . After "updating" it, should run a
"Complete Scan" . Perhaps in addition, she should install, then use the FREE "ATF Cleaner" .
It is possible that Yahoo's "Online Protection" MAY be causing the problem !? Read on another forum of
someone trying to completely remove it and the problems they encountered .