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Hello again Butterfly123,
I have to say, though, that although I did not touch the mouse during the Eset test, I did get a phone call through Skype. (I forgot to turn it off). Would that have disturbed the Eset test?
I don't think so but if you are worried, just run it again.
Also, are there tests of any kind that I can run that would tell me if the cause is hardware issues?
One of the reasons we ran chkdsk. Not conclusive, but I think it would likely have run into problems if your hard drive was the cause. There are programs that can check your hard drive but they too can be inconclusive. I am not a techie and while I can and sometimes do, point people at hard drive checking solutions, I really am not the best person to help on that.
If your problems still persist I think you should open a topic in the Windows 7 forum here. The techs there are better able to help you than I. 
I am not seeing malware as your machines problem now. Over time computers do build up bits and pieces of left over programs updates etc. which slow the machine. Some people even go to extent of reformatting their computers every few years just to clean them up. Removing surplus programs can help, also making sure your computer is clean (dust free) and not overheating are good housekeeping actions to help it run efficiently. Here are a couple of links that may be helpful:
Go here for information about what makes your computer slow by Artellos.
In addition:
miekiemoes has a blog with some information about slow computing.
Just scroll down until you find it, might be helpful. Link below.
http://miekiemoes.bl...l/Slow computer
Or issues with ram or memory leaks?
Your ram looked adequate to me... just adequate. Again a techie would be better placed to give advice on that but it might be that more ram would help things.
Also overheating can be a problem. Do you find your laptop heating up and does it have good ventilation?
Turning to your logs. You can never be certain but I am not seeing malware as the cause of your machines problems.
I will give you the instructions to clean away the tools we have been using and after that you can open a topic in the tech forums if you wish. If you do please tell them you have been here first.
We have a couple of last steps to perform and then you're all set.
Please go here to download OTC.
Run this program to remove the tools we have been using.
You may be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process choose Yes.
Any remaining tools may be deleted.
Next, we need to clean your restore points and set a new one:
Open System by clicking the Start button, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.
- In the left pane, click System protection. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Under Protection Settings, click the radio button Configure.
- Under Disk Space Usage, click the radio button Delete.
- Click Continue, and then click OK.
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A reminder: Remember to (re-install if uninstalled during cleaning) update and turn back on any anti-malware programs you may have turned off during the cleaning process.
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Here are some things that I think are worth having a look at if you don't already know about them:
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It is good security practice to change your passwords to all your online accounts on a fairly regular basis, this is especially true after an infection. Refer to this Microsoft article Strong passwords: How to create and use them.
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Java warning
Java is a popular point of entry to your computer for malicous programs. The United States Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java, see here. Unless you need it to run an important software the safest approach is to completely uninstall Java. Where you do require it, then the next safest option is to disable it in your browsers until you need it, then enable it.
How to disable Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser
If you do still need Java then regularly check that it is up to date. Older versions are the most vulnerable to malicious attack.
- Download Java for Windows
Reboot your computer.
You also need to unininstall older versions of Java.
- Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs
- Remove all Java updates except the latest one you have just installed.
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CryptoLocker Warning
There is a particularly nasty infection out there at the moment.
Go here for information about CryptoLocker Ransomeware
Download CryptoPrevent free for home use.
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To help protect your computer in the future:
If you do not already have automatic updates set then it is recommended that you do set Windows to check, download and install your updates automatically.
* Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update
* Under Windows Update click on Turn automatic updating on or off
* Check items shown to ensure you receive updates automatically. Click OK.
Be aware of what emails you open and websites you visit.
Go here for some good advice about how to prevent infection.
A fun way to check your online safety literacy.
Quiz - getsafeonline
Have a safe and happy computing day!
I love you all at Geeks to Go! xoxo
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