Windows Explorer and "My Computer" extremely slow to open folders

[Doug Von Gausig]

Occasionally, after a reboot or a cold boot, Windows Explorer and "My
Computer" take several (5-10) minutes to display the file tree. In
these instance, other programs such a PhotoPaint that use Explorer,
also take forever to open and display file folder contents. This
problem seems to happen without warning and I cannot identify anything
that each instance has in common with the others. Sometimes turning
the computer off completely and back on fixes it, usually it has no
effect. Sometimes this lasts several days, sometimes it's fixed the
next time I turn the computer on.

I know others have had this problem, but I have never seen a
definitive answer or fix. Has anyone successfully identified the cause
and the fix?

Doug

 

[BigJIm]

could be a few reasons
low ram memory installed usually less than 256 meg
hard drive getting full
hard drive needs defragged
virus or Trojan using systems resources
integrated video with low ram memory

 

[Rock]

Occasionally, after a reboot or a cold boot, Windows Explorer and "My
Computer" take several (5-10) minutes to display the file tree. In
these instance, other programs such a PhotoPaint that use Explorer,
also take forever to open and display file folder contents. This
problem seems to happen without warning and I cannot identify anything
that each instance has in common with the others. Sometimes turning
the computer off completely and back on fixes it, usually it has no
effect. Sometimes this lasts several days, sometimes it's fixed the
next time I turn the computer on.

I know others have had this problem, but I have never seen a
definitive answer or fix. Has anyone successfully identified the cause
and the fix?

Doug

Try the edit on Kelly's site:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Line 157: Prevent Automatic Folder and Icon Refresh

See the top of the page for info on running the edit.