Computer running really slow

I'm a newbie to this Forum so I hope that someone can please help me out. My computer is running really slow: system boots up slowly, Windows runs slowly & occasionally locks up; generally I don't have more than one program open at a time. I installed more memory and now have 768 MB - I run Windows XP (SP2) with Norton Security including Firewall and Norton Antivirus which I faithfully keep updated.

A few days ago, Norton offered a free update of their Security package which I downloaded and installed. Remind me--in this world, there is no free lunch! The Norton programs now have a completely new look and, when I run WinDoctor, I get a msg that there are several dll files missing. I ran the "Repair All" option but these files are missing: gapi32.dll, mfc80.dll, msvcr80.dll, msvcp80.dll Should I be concerned and try to replace them? Do I need them? Are they Spyware files?

My CD read/write drive is not working properly either....but I think that is a separate problem which I will work on later

 

Must be blunt here First of all - dump Norton completely and then double your RAM!

Roger

 

Thanks for the advice and reassurance. That was my plan when my subscription expires in abt 3 months. I've owned a computer(s) for a long time and have always run Norton products but have become greatly disenchanted with them in the last year or so. What should I run for Internet Security, Anti-Spam, No Pop-ups, Anti-Virus protection?
I truly appreciate your help

 

Hello bjswitz,

Info on the files:

Filename Gapi32.dll Processname Microsoft Mail Configuration Library Author Microsoft Part of Microsoft Exchange Associated with virus No viruses seems to be using this filename. Associated with spyware/adware We haven't been able to locate any antispyware information concerning this file. Description Gapi32.dll is used for Microsofts mail protocol used within for example Outlook/Exchange. Only used if talking to Exchange servers. Recommended not to be removed.

mfc80.dll is a module associated with Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2005 from Microsoft Corporation

msvcr80.dll File description: Microsoft® C++ Runtime Library

msvcp80.dll File description: Microsoft® C++ Runtime Library


These are system files, don't appear to be malware.

I'm moving your thread to the XP section.

 

Hi,
From what I find at Microsoft and Symantec it appears those files are being incorrectly reported as missing and you should ignore the error.
Try looking them up at Symantec.

Windoctor can cause big problems if you let it automatically "fix" things. If you have used it to "correct" errors, see if you can reverse the fix, it is probably what is causing the slowness.

I have not used Windoctor for a long time, but I checked every suggestion it made thoroughly before allowing it to make any changes. I found a lot (most) errors were misreported. I mainly used it as a guide if I was trying to find the cause of a problem. Even when I used it to "repair" a problem, I mainly needed to avoid it's recommended fix.

My advice, be sceptical of anything Windoctor reports. Same with any other "fix it" program.

Matt
PS Look at the "stickies" in the Removing Spyware and Viruses forum for some suggested programs.