Slow Viewing of Folders/Files & Previewing Files

[FensterBos]

When I originally purchased this computer for work, I was instructed to
install Vista by my office, which was a horrible idea. It was only a few
weeks later when I was instructed to format the hard-drive. When I
reinstalled XP, I followed as many instructions as possible and installed all
the necessary drivers.
When running XP, I started to notice that when I click on My Computer or
look in a folder that contains image files, it takes a file to view the files
or preview the images. I am currently running a virus program, so I am not
worried about any malicious software or viruses. This also slows down some
programs where I need to import/export files from different folders (i..e
Yahoo Sitebuilder).
I appreciate your help with this matter. Is this something you've heard of
before?

 

[Leonard Grey]

Have you discussed this with the computer people at your work, since
this is a work-issued computer?

 

[FensterBos]

I was let go a few months ago and they couldn't pay me the 6 weeks that they
owed me. It is my computer now.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

When I originally purchased this computer for work, I was instructed to
install Vista by my office, which was a horrible idea. It was only a few
weeks later when I was instructed to format the hard-drive. When I
reinstalled XP, I followed as many instructions as possible and installed all
the necessary drivers.
When running XP, I started to notice that when I click on My Computer or
look in a folder that contains image files, it takes a file to view the files
or preview the images.

?? Sorry, I don't understand that last sentence. Is there a typo
there? Did you mean "... it takes a *while* ..."?

I am currently running a virus program,

I recommend against virus programs. You should use an anti-virus
program instead! ;-)

so I am not
worried about any malicious software or viruses.

*What* anti-virus program are you running? They are far from being
equally good.

Moreover, no anti-virus program works against all types of malware. At
a minimum you should run an anti-virus program and at least one
(preferably two or more) anti-spyware programs.

For an anti-virus program, I recommend NOD32, if you are willing to
pay for it, or Avast, if you want a free one.

For anti-spyware I recommend the freeware MalwareBytes AntiMalware,
and preferably also the freeware SuperAntiSpyware.

 

[FensterBos]

Yes it was a typo.
I am currently running McAffe Total Protection. I appreciate you assisting
me with your anti-virus opnions, but would you have any input about the
problem regarding the issue with my folders running slow at times (including
that previewing image files take a while too)?