problem with programs crashing

[Trifid]

Hello.

I am trying to sort out a problem with my sisters laptop where certain programs keep on crashing. These include Firefox, MSN messenger, Outlook. Some programs are stable though, such as IE7, task manager, Windows Mail and Word to name a few. I have removed Norton anti Virus and installed AVG (seems stable). When booting the PC it is fast until just before the login window where it will stay on a black screen for 2 minutes. It will take a further 2 minutes to finish loading startup items after login.

Does any one have any ideas what to try? I would have formatted the PC but she doesn't want to let me do this...

Thanks.

 

[Lexluethar]

Two things. One remove any uneeded startup programs in msconfig and services on the service tab. Secound is download malwarebytes or spybot s&d and run scans to ensure you don't have a virus or malware that is slowing down / crashing the system.