defrag and virus scan hangs

New to this stuff. Whenever I use defrag or virus scan system hangs or locks. Using ME, wont let me re-install. It seems to lock at about 11 pct each time. On virus scan it looks like it hangs at a "restore" file. I tried deleting appolog file as knowledge base article said. I guess im lookin for an alternative fix rather than re-formatting. Computer works, just wont defrag or virus scan completely.
Thanks in advance,
Bob

 

First you need to make sure you don't have any programs running in the background. Press ctrl-alt-del and close out everything but Explorer and Systray. Run scandisc first and then run Defrag.
Post back if this doesn't work.
Also, make sure your screensaver is disabled.