Need some help with issues

[Nova224]

Hi. I'm having trouble with the computer I built about a month ago.

Some problems/things I have noticed:
-My computer 'skips'. The best way I can think to explain this is every once in a while it pauses. I've noticed when I move my mouse around in circles the pointer will stop every couple seconds or so and then keep moving just to pause again. When it skips, my general CPU usage hovers at 11% even if I close every program I have running.
-I tried running Housecall virus scan but whenever I do, the browser just shuts with no error message (IE and Firefox).
-Windows will not restart or shut down. I have to do it with the power and reset button.
-If Explorer freezes up and I have to end task on it, it will not open itself back up. It doesn't work when I try to run a new task either.

Restarting the computer fixes the problem but it just happens again after so long. Any help is appreciated.

 

[law9933]

Maybe you should post a HJT log at a forum such as pcguide.com or amazingtechs.com. In case it is a separate problem try a different mouse. Make sure all connections are tight in you build. A list of your system specs may help & the programs you use to protect & clean your system. Les

 

[Grimner]

A shot in the dark (for dark read all the information absent from your post); get the software in law9933's sig, physically disconnect your computer from the Internet and run all the scans.

Disable Windows System Restore. Reboot. Scan again. Reboot. Scan. If system is now clean, leave AVG, ZA and Windows Defender active and keep the rest in reserve. Enable System Restore & connect to that dark abyss called the Internet again.

And you did remember to scan your backups, CD, flash disks etc?

 

[Nova224]

Sorry. Here are my specs.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 3.25Ghz
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
2048MB (1GBx2) G.SKILL DDR2 PC2 6400
eVGA GeForce 7950GT
WD Raptor 150GB 16MB Cache 10,000 RPM SATA HD
Seagate Barracuda 320GB 16MB Cache SATA HD
Plextor DVD Burner
Silverstone Strider 600W PSU

 

[law9933]

Nice uptown build, but is it infected. Do you have a Antivirus, a firewall, adware/spyware removers? Are you using XP Home with SP2? For someone able to build a PC, you are still speaking from the dark. Did you run AVG, Ewido, Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D -they are free & at download.com. Then do a HijackThis log post. Grimner gave input to follow.