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Question

Sluggish laptop

Feb 26, 2020 6:27PM PST

Was working fine 24 hrs ago. Not sure what happened.
Tried the following with no luck:

-cleared cache in browser
-ran Super Anti Spyware
- ran Chrome's built-in cleaner
- uninstalled/ reinstalled Google Chrome
- tried a different browser (Brave)
-restarted
-disabled AdblockPlus extension

Still getting lagging loads, images & video that take longer to load, & brief error screens saying "site can't be reached".

I don't have any plugins except for Javascript & Flash.

What to try next?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
One odd thing.
Feb 26, 2020 10:10PM PST

For about 4+ years I have yet to install Javascript or Flash. Chrome and most other browsers do not need these plugins and these could be malware or worse.

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Well
Feb 27, 2020 2:46AM PST

Seems certain sites can’t be viewed without JavaScript. Like, Facebook. I temporarily disabled it and when I went to fb I saw an error message regarding JavaScript. In any case I was having no issues up until yesterday.

So, what are my options with the lagging?

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Here's what you wrote and why I noted it.
Feb 27, 2020 9:18AM PST

"I don't have any plugins except for Javascript & Flash."

For these I never install any plugins since those are usually malware or just bad software. As they are not plugins if we use the native Javascript and Flash that comes with say, Chrome then I have to assume you are telling me you installed plugins.

If your story changes then my answer changes too.

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Heh...
Feb 27, 2020 1:23PM PST

I got home & noticed I was starting to have subtle loading issues on my *phone* as well. Then I realized the problem was my router/ modem.
Unplugged both for about a minute & lo & behold...issues seemed to be fixed. (cautiously optimistic it'll stay that way) It's looking good because I couldn't even load Yahoo's home page w/o hesitation, an error message *then* a slow load. Loads normally now.

Anyway, R. Proffitt- as always, thank you again. You've been giving me & the rest here advice for many years now with your "tough love" approach.

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I apologize.
Feb 27, 2020 4:23PM PST

I am not intentionally using tough love but often am a little rushed to get everyone an answer or ideas. Frankly and I admit I don't know at times what will fix this or that but want folk to avoid a trip to the service counter or worse, an expensive in home service encounter.

-> Good work on resetting the router. Also, good sleuthing on your part by taking the clue that the phone gave you. Thank you for telling as others read this and will learn (as do I!)