I've noticed in the last few weeks that when I try to manipulate files through Windows Explorer (NOT Internet Explorer) that it is very slow to respond. It takes an agonizingly long time to open, rename and delete folders and files. I've done all the usual tweaks like running virus and malware scans (with AdAware, SpyBot, MalwareBytes, ATF Cleaner, CCCleaner), disk defrag, HARD drive scan, check disk, Hijack This scan. Nothing shows up on the virus scan or HijackThis and just two or three minor things (nothing over a TAC 3) on the other scans. I have had two recent hardware manupulations, though - a new power supply and also a new cable modem. I have not installed any new software other than the updates on my COMPUTER Associates security suite (anti-virus and firewall), AdAware and SpyBot updates.
My system is an HP Pavilion 750N using Windows XP home as an OS. It has a 1.6 GHz Pentium 4 processor and 768 MB RAM.
My computer skills are not what you'd term anywhere near proficient and I'm uncomfortable making changes to the registry if unnecessary. I'm looking for some tips (and point by point instructions) on how to restore the Windows Explorer proficiency. If you need more INFO on my system, just ask. Thanks.Open msconfig and on the "General" tab choose "selective startup" (disable everything). Reboot. How does Windows Explorer work in a clean boot?The only items checked in the startup menu are the Computer Associates security suite files. Is it okay to disable them (will it make my system vulnerable)? Should I disconnect my modem while these functions are disbaled?

I also found these forums while looking for possible causes:

http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=30943

http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=32763


Any opinios on SpyBot issues?
Do you have TeaTimer enabled ? ?
If so disable it.
It's been known to cause slowdowns and doesn't do much to protect you anyways...You might also try this: Turn off indexing and speed up Windows XPI don't think I enabled Tea Timer. How can I check to be sure? Shutting off the Indexing was one of the first "fixes" I tried.Have you done the selective startup?TeaTimer will be in your startup group...
DLoad and install Startup CPL from Mike Lin...
It will place a Startup icon in your Control Panel...very handy.

NOTE Do not disable any items if you are not sure of what they are...I guess its developing some bad sectors... or may just need to defrag it...
simple HDD scandisk /f and defragmentation usually fix it.

good luckQuote from: inapaler on October 10, 2009, 06:25:27 AM

I guess its developing some bad sectors... or may just need to defrag it...
simple HDD scandisk /f and defragmentation usually fix it.

good luck