Hello maxptyson,
I suggest you use Tune-Up Utilities to clean up and optimize your software and system in a timely and safe mannor. There are dozens of *features which it comes with, all of which are free for thirty days (which is all you'll need it for)
*Download: http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/
I suggest you also scan your system for any mallicious programs and
turn on your windows firewall (or off if it's interfering.) Here are a few suggestions:
Paid:
PC World's "Top Standalone Antivirus Software for 2010" review
Free:
Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware,
Microsoft Security Essentials,
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
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Footnotes
*#1: If you want more information on it just click on the the big bold word "Features" at the bottom of the page.
*#2: Click on the yellow box saying "Free Download" at the center of the screen.
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Comments
I use all of these myself, and have made significant improvements on my system without the "lack of luster," for say. If this dosen't work then i'm afraid my help won't be enough. Seek a
reliable computer repair specialist/professional or wait for someone more experienced to post, i'm sure they will.
As a side note, I made the same exact response to another user, but figured this was in the general area to help as well.