Click the Firefox button, go to Add-ons, then Extensions and remove the '''Freeze(dot)com NetAssistant '''you have installed. This is adware/spyware and will cause performance problems of the type you're experiencing. In the same menu, remove the '''Ask Toolbar '''for similar reasons. Next:<br><br> #In the location bar, type '''about:config''' and hit Enter.<br><br> #In the filter at the top, type: '''keyword.URL'''<br><br> #Double click it and remove http://search.conduit.com/ResultsExt.... and replace it with http://www.google.com/search?q=<br><br> #Close the tab.<br> The URL to add in "keyword.URL" becomes a link in this post, so right click it and choose "Copy Link Location" to copy it to the Windows clipboard. Then hit CTRL+V to paste it. Saves you having to type the whole thing. Conduit is another adware search tool which concentrates on its database of advertisers rather than giving you independent results like google does. ---- You also need to remove all your old Java consoles. These are security risks which expose your machine to exploits. See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Multiple_Java_Console_extensions ---- '''N.B.''' When you install 'free' programs, '''always use the option called Custom installation and uncheck any options to use junk software search engines, toolbars etc.''', otherwise you'll be plagued by system slowdowns forever more. See screenshot for an example of how the Ask Toolbar gets on your system.