It sounds like you have a hard-disk problem, but you really haven't supplied enough information to enable us to diagnose. If I were you I would empty the recycle bin and defrag then check for malware using the tools others have suggested. You might like to find a benchmarking tool to check your hard disk performance. You haven't been into the BIOS and twiddled with things have you?
No disrespect jdm, but you might be better off asking a computer knowledgeable friend to take a look at it. I think we have reached the limit of what can be done over the net without going to IM, which I don't have the time to do.
"No disrespect jdm, but you might be better off asking a computer knowledgeable friend to take a look at it. I think we have reached the limit of what can be done over the net without going to IM, which I don't have the time to do."
That's fine, I understand. Thank you to everyone for your help. Most appreciated.