I hope this isn't too basic but have you done all the usual cleanup things like getting rid of all temp files etc., that can pile up especially through IE use? have you checked free space, do you defrag occasionally etc? wondering if could be resource issue and not just virus or malware type thing

Lastly if IE in particular is slow, have you tried using a different connection to the internet? just as a comparison. Also support above advice about using chrome as lots faster than IE.

What's the name of the "apparently caught" virus?

Run Belarc Advisor to check for software/security updates.

Also remember that some viruses and malware will prevent you from accessing and downloading any fix type of programs. Sometimes you need to scan the drive BEFORE the operating system is enabled That's why I suggested the rescue disk in my previous post it does just that.

Microsoft IE is unbelievably slow. Please try using Chrome or Firefox (each with .......) and I suspect you will see a big difference.

Another thing you can try is to do a system restore back to a time when your computer was working well.

As a security solution, I have had good luck with Eset programs - I now have the Eset Smart Security.

Your sluggishness could have nothing to do with IE.

Try this:

http://webtoolsandtips.com/freeware/...clicks-how-to/

My 2 cents:

If you suspect a virus, do these 3 steps:

- Run a MalwareBytes quick scan
- Run the ESET Online Scan
- Download the Emsisoft Emergency Kit to a USB and run the 'deep' scan.

That should get rid of almost all the malware. If you have a rootkit, it will become more difficult.

Also, run the Secunia Online System Inspector so that your system is up to date and safe. Then also delete unwanted, outdated or unused programms.
Chrome or Firefox are also faster than IE.

For your info, there are a lot 'Hijack This' forums online where experts give you advice and programms with what to do. You post the logs and they provide the steps you'll have to take. Almost every time, the result is a clean, safer and faster computer. Might be worth looking at!
The MBAM forum, I heard good things of.

A virus can be the cause, but there are a lot of other factors that slow your PC down. So a HijackThis is a very good option. Then you are sure everything is ok, from the updates to antivirus to your harddrives health.

Why dont we just make this easier for the OP, Malware bytes is great but after a while it time to reinstall the OS, and backup all your photos and word docs. And enjoy a malware free pc again. Who knows what old service gremlins lurk on your pc.

As suggested in your thread in the Tech Issues forum, did you change your .hosts file so that the calls to malicious sites you and others noted are redirected to localhost?

How old is the PC and what operating system?
Have you always kept it up to date?

A reinstall can be a lot of trouble for a layman (not saying/knowing if the OP is one) that can easily be avoided if the system is not too corrupted.