Windows Explorer extremely slow in Windows 8.1

I am running windows 81 on my office laptop. It is a pretty good machine for what I need it for.

A few days ago, I noticed a slowdown, and when I try to open a file using windows explorer, or browse a folder, it takes ofrever to populate that window with the file list.

I have researched it briefly on the internet, and I see a wide range of solutions, but just have not had the time to really tinker with it much, as I have just been using the field laptop since it is working fine, and I have projects to get out the door.

Has anyone here experienced this? There appear to be several different possible causes from corrupt system files, to viruses, to malware. I saw where a few solutions required editing the registry (I am not comfortable with that), and others were a little simpler. I trust the folks here, so thought I would ask you guys.

Thanks in advance. I am off to the field again, so I will check back later this evening.