PROBLEM: The problem is that no matter what web site I go to (I tried over a dozen of frequently used sites) the page takes a really long time to start displaying anything and never finishes loading. It's non-responsive to my attempts to cancel the page load, close the tab, or close the IE window (all via clicking the appropriate "X"). My only option is to kill IE in Task Manager.
HISTORY: I have used Norton 360 and especially the Norton Toolbar and Identity Safe for MANY years. I have been on Window 7 Home Premier (32-bit IE8) for well over a year. My last Windows Update was 2 weeks before this problem started (my setting is to check and download automatically but let me decide when to install). The Norton LiveUpdate runs every few hours and applies updates automatically almost every time.
TIME FRAME: All was fine up to and including the morning of Feb 8. I didn't use IE again until the next morning, at which time I immediately discovered the problem. So something happened during those 24 hours to cause the problem.
TROUBLESHOOTING ACTIONS: I upgraded to IE9 (had been putting this off for some time) to see if that would fix it but no. I even reset the settings back to the defaults, but still the problem persisted. I do not have the problem when browsing on my iPhone or iPad via wi-fi (and thus through the same router, cable modem, and ISP). Back on my main PC where the problem exists, I tried Safari and it worked fine. I have it as part of the minimal Apple apps needed to support my iPhone/iPad and for iTunes, and it does not have the Norton Toolbar. That lead me to try IE with no add-ons and ah hah, the problem was gone. At this poiunt I had narrowed it down to some s/w on this PC and interfacing with IE but not Safari. Well, the FIRST AND ONLY add-on that I re-enabled was the Norton Toolbar (it said it was already enabled but I couldn't get it to display so I disabled then re-enabled) and the problem was back. I can switch back and forth and get the same results, so the problem is easily reproducible. In the Norton 360 Security History I found an entry for LiveUpdate on Feb 8 20:17 that says "Norton 2012 IPS Definitions". Hmmm.
I've spent about 2 hours in these Forums searching for hints with no luck. I also tried an online chat with Support but I just get a popup on my home page (about:blank) with the warning that add-ons are disabled. I figured I'd try this forum before resorting to Phone Support.