Thanks for updating your Signature. Do you use a Firewall (FW)?
It appears from your scans that your machine is clean and acting fine. So perhaps the scanning for PUPS is what slowed things down.
I would also suggest if you don't already do this to clean your system with something like CCleaner prior to doing a boot scan (or any scan). There is a Slim version available as well at http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds – 4th option down. It removes unused files (cache, temporary Internet files, etc.) from your system, allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. This may help your scans go a little quicker.
If your problem continues, let us know. Thanks.
Oh I have had HORRORS with CC cleaner! It has messed up registery settings, deleted cookies when I tell it not to, changed a lot of things that I did not like. This was before my drive reformat last August. I will give you guys some background on my system:
I provided my system information in my signature for reference and Avast version 5.1.889. I ran a full scan, it took the normal time. Did a fresh reinstall of Windows XP last August. Thanks for the info about the PUP's. I scan for those on regular scans. Yes totally clean with a recent Full Scan with Avast and a Full Scan with MBAM. Computer runs very well.
I remember when I first got version 5 the Boot Scan was slow than, so it might have been just me being impatient. It's an old system (Dell Dimension 3000) but runs great for its age. I also have the Web of Trust plug in (WOT) and use IE 8 as my browser.
Drive was reformated and Windows was reinstalled last August. BEFORE THE REFORMAT I had been through I think AVG on this machine and MSE. I have had this computer since October 2004. I think it came with a demo of Norton, but as the drive has since been reformatted, all I have for security programs is Avast and the free On Demand for MBAM. Computer runs very well and is very clean. Boots up in less than a minute.
Jack
PS. Just use the built-in Windows XP Firewall. Also have Wireless Home Networking. ISP is Road Runner from TWC.