Slow program launch XP

[holdgaj]

About 50% of the time, when I launch a program I get a delay of ~30-50
seconds. This happens both on my desktop (XP Pro) and laptop (XP Home)
machines. I'm running Zonelabs Firewall/Virus checker - I wondered if this
delay was some sort of virus scan - but it does not happen all the time.
Both machines have plenty of memory (2GB) and free disc space - any ideas,
anyone ?

 

[Guest]

Run RegMon when opening such programs. You can see what runs with the
program. But first I'd disconnect my computer from the Internet and disable
the firewall and antivirus and use the computer. If the issue disappears
reenable the firewall/antivirus. If no issues in a few hours connect to the
internet. Be sure you're not part of a botnet if issues occur on the
Internet. I don't have to tell you that you should do antivirus checks from
multiple vendors periodically. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. I use a
local AV and an online scan at bedtime. I find that Panda ActiveScan is one
of the least problematic ones around. But I can't say the same for their
server product.