Same old song - XP hangups

Forgive me for not sifting through the entire forum, I'm old and tired and looking for help.

I have Hijack This on hand, but understand that I'm to run Spybot first. So--- I installed Spybot (I keep Symantec/Norton package running as provided with this computer).

Basically, things have started to decay in the past couple of weeks, starting around the time I installed my Linksys wired router.

First, I found that Control Panel was not responding, and sometimes XP help console would hang too.
As of today, it's so bad I can't even run Spybot. I start SB, click to load updates and the world stops. Task managers usually shows little demand on system, but I can't force the app to end.
<My edit>
Installed Adaware and started it up, but ... NOT RESPONDING.. HEELLLPP!
</My edit>

I have a Compaq restore utility on partition D:, but don't want to use that if possible. I have a LOT of software installed on this home-business sytem- takes a week to get things back in order.

Interestingly- Internet access seems nearly trouble-free with IE or Firefox.

Any help is greatly appreciated
Reg
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Compaq Presario SR1610NX- purchased new- Nov 2005
AMD 3200+ 1.79 GHz I.18 GB of RAM
Win XP Home Ver.2002 SP2
50 GB free on 80 GB drive --- Preferred browser - Firefox
Using Linksys wired router with one other XP system through Westel DSL modem

I would recommend running HijackThis (if possible) and posting a log in our
Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs section.
(Not in this section please).

If they give you an all clear then return to this thread and we can pursue other options.

Since last post, I purchased and ran the PCpitstop Optimize utility. Hard to say if there's any great changes yet, although I can now access Control Panel, etc.
I tried again running Spybot, but attempt to get updates causes system hangup.
I have not ran Adaware yet.

Today I posted the Hijack-this log as advised.
I think this URL should work...



Thanks for help