I am running Windows 7 Professional 64-bit on a Dell XPS15 (L501X)
For the first time ever (after many years of use), Norton Internet Security notified me that my "disk needed to be optimized to improve performance" (or something like that).
I clicked OK, and the process began. After about 10 minutes, it seemed that the process froze. When I attempted to Tab to other processes, nothing happened. ALT-CTRL-DEL was unable to bring up the system menu. The laptop was totally frozen. I had no choice but to shut down the system via the power off button.
From that point - total disaster. It now takes approximately 2 minutes for the Dell splash screen to appear. Then after 2 more minutes, the screen goes blank. Then after about 8 minutes the "Windows is loading" screen appears. After another 6-8 minutes, I FINALLY get to enter my password at the Windows log-in screen.
Once I've logged in - after approximately 20 minutes just to boot up - it seems that Windows operates relatively fine, although slightly slower than I recall it operating prior to the failed Norton disk optimizer.
Throughout the entire lengthy boot period, there appears to be very little disk activity, but the fan runs continuously, as if the processor is working overtime (and getting hot).
PLEASE HELP if you can.
Thanks!