Griz,
Is your antivirus software running in background? if so- end it
Is your virus software set to run updates auto? if so, end it
Is MSMessaging shut down? If not go into administrative tools to shut down, becoming a major pain in *** that program for spams now
I assume you have run spyware software? if not - do so
Check to make sure those annoying windows keys on your keyboard aren't sticking--I removed mine
If you haven't done so already, go to Blackviper.com and look at the process running list, good place to check to see if any proggies running in background you are not aware of...
Thats about it for my experience
Good luck
NwBie