Hanging problem?

[Mist]

System: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004.
Dial-up modem (not my choice)
RealTek sound card (Realtek Audio Manager)
Single-user, stand-alone setup. No networking.

Recently I had to do a first-time re-install on this system.

I apologize for the sketchy information and having to play 20 questions but
I can only give symptoms.

After shutting down the unit fully and a restart, when I click a desktop
icon I receive no immediate response. The icon may be an application,
program, or data file. Up to five minutes later, the item appears. I don't
know where or how to attack the problem and nothing I've found in the
various helps does.

Also, after clicking the dialer and receiving online status, I receive no
initial response when I click the mailer, browswer, or another program. If
I wait long enough, eventually I'll get a response.

Workaround, click for instance the mailer then the dialer which seems to
work most of the time. When I doesn't the system hangs and I reboot to try
again because I'm "locked" into the dialer.

Hints, tips, better solutions? All are welcomed.

If more information is needed, I'll do my best.

Thanks.

Mist

 

[DL]

After your reinstall you did install chipset & other device drivers from
manufacturers sites?

 

[Mist]

As far as I'm aware, yes.

After your reinstall you did install chipset & other device drivers
from manufacturers sites?

 

[DL]

That response doesn't instil confidence, to install the drivers you would
either of had to obtain them from manufacturers sites, or used the driver
cd's provided with your system

Check in hardware devices for any warnings
Also check Event Viewer

 

[Mist]

That response doesn't instil confidence, to install the drivers you
would either of had to obtain them from manufacturers sites, or used
the driver cd's provided with your system

Check in hardware devices for any warnings
Also check Event Viewer

Multiple things wrong although the Event Viewer essentially came up clean
(explainable errors) which I discovered when I tripped something and went
for a re-install. One of the problems included a deep corruption - its
comment not mine. I also mis-installed the dial-up modem.

All is much better now and I appreciate your help. I hadn't known about
Event Viewer before. Oh, for the days of paper manuals.

Thanks.

Mist