My computer is getting really sloooooow. How can I identify which apps are to blame?

When you first get it your computer is lightning fast, but after 2 years mine is now slow like a lazy slug. Task manager shows that the system is idle 99%, but if you select a menu, often it takes several seconds before it reacts. I have used msconfig to stop a whole bunch of services (with small improvement). I heard somewhere that Symantec/Norton virus protection can eat up resources and cause slowness but obviously it is necessary. Short of the very radical step of reformatting the C: drive and starting again, what can I do to return my machine to it's former glory (speed/performance)?

My computer is getting really sloooooow. How can I identify which apps are to blame?norton

If your computer is running slowly, I suggest you click the link provided below to download, read, and follow instructions in this guide. Unless there is a problem with your hardware (dying HDD, for example) then I GUARANTEE reading this guide will help. Your system will be faster than it was when you first pulled it out of the box and set it up.

http://www.tweakguides.com/TGTC.html

My computer is getting really sloooooow. How can I identify which apps are to blame?spyware remover

there is also one other thing u can do which is turn off system restore, in the properties tab on rightclicking my computer Report It