Bitdefender Total Security 2012 Slows My Computer...

Hello,

I purchased Bitdefender Total Security 2012 about a month ago. Prior to that, I used Microsoft Security Essentials, Ad-Aware, Windows Defender and Malwarebites Anti-Malware. Prior (and during) the installation, I was prompted to uninstall those programs. They were all removed.

My computer:

Windows XP Home Edition SP3 (32 bit)

Pentium 4 HT

3.2 GHz

2 GB RAM

Bitdefender Total Security 2012 Build 15.0.38.1605

Antimalware Engine Properties

Virus Signatures: 7523133

Engine Version: 7.43170

Unfortunately, my computer runs with quite a bit of lag now. It is sluggish when opening web pages. It is sluggish upon startup. It is sluggish when opening other programs. While I expected a bit of lag with this, I am extremely disappointed with the amount that I experience with this program.

My greatest frustration is with the sluggish nature when surfing the net. Sometimes, the internet just freezes (cursor will not move) and I will have to wait a while to use it...after which point it seems to operate well. Also, video streaming playback is EXTREMELY sluggish. I never had this problem prior to installing Bitdefender Total Security 2012.

At this point, I am just going to see if anyone here can help. While I am happy that my machine is "protected," I am not happy to the point of the lag and sluggish behavior that I must endure for that "protection."

Is this "normal" with Bitdefender Total Security 2012?

If no one here can guide me through this and help get my PC to run more smoothly, then I will simply uninstall Bitdefender. I paid nearly $80 for this at Fry's and it is too late to return it. However, I am so disappointed with this that I am willing to count it as a loss and simply reinstall Microsoft Security Essentials.

However, I would love to get this working correctly (if there is some type of conflict with this). Is there anything that I can do to get this working properly?