Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably
without quoting my post:
1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the computer?
1b. Did Win7 32-bit come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it, did you do a clean install of Win7,
or did you upgrade the computer to Win7?
2. What is the full name of your installed anti-virus application or security suite and
when (approx. date) does your current subscription expire? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed? What third-party firewall (if any)?
3. Has a(nother) Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer
since you bought it?
4. Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer
when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)
5. Is KB2898785, KB2888505, KB2879017 KB2870699, KB2862772 or KB2846071 listed in
View installed updates (not Update History)? [1]
6. Assuming Java is installed => Is Java Version 7 Update 45 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER
ONLY! =>
http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
7. Is Adobe Flash Player v11.9.900.170 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER
ONLY! =>
http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
8a. Has IE10 or IE11 ever been offered to your computer via Windows Update?
8b. Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?
9. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; PC Doctor;
TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer; CCleaner
Registry Cleaner)?
==============================================
[1] Start | Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)