I have this problem since the computer is connected to internet via Linksys router. When I click on .txt file, image or archive (also probably other types), it would take bettween 1 and 2 minutes to open them. When I right-click on same types to open context menu, it costs me the same long waiting. When I want to create a new file, the same. At the same time I can open run executables, open browsers and open other types in a split second. Memory and CPU usage are not going above the normal during that time of delayed response. All the above problems would disappear when I unplug the network cable or just disable the connection. There is one more computer connected to the same router without such problems. I'm pretty sure it's not a virus, malware etc. It should be a network problem but I don't know how to solve it.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Never assume you're not infected - always check it because new "baddies" come out all the time. Here's a nice, free, online scan for double checking: http://safety.live.com/

It'll also clean your registry, empty your Temp files, defrag your hard drive - and may even look under the hood and check your oil! (Well, OK, I lied about the last part!

Next, disable the current network connection (on the computer) and then create a new one. Does the problem still exist? Then, run the Network setup wizard to ensure that you've got the correct settings.

If this doesn't fix it - then we've gotta try other things. For example, you could try another browser (such as the free Firefox) To see if it's a browser problem.

Hi usasma
All these I did before writing to the forum. As for browser, I use IE, Firefox and Opera. But the problems are not browser related.

Crud! This is a poser for sure! I'm really starting to reach now, here's some suggestions:

Have you tried uninstalling the drivers for your network card, then removing the card. Then reinsert the card and manually install the drivers?

Have you updated your motherboard/chipset drivers?

Have you tried a repair installation of Windows? http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Have you tried to format your hard drive and reinstall Windows?

Sure sounds like you have newdotnet hijacking your internet connection get LSPfix, and see how many files are in the TCPIP stack.

Here http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

normally windows only uses three files.

also if you have internet exploder set to automatically detect a proxy connection can cause this (regardless of your primary web browser.

(tools > internet settings > connections > lan)

I know this sounds like a long shot but have you got a cd in the disk drive. Check that the CD Drive has the correct drivers.

Basically I have seen this before in taking time to access files on the machine but with all other services working fine. This for my instance was all down to corupt drivers for the CD-Drive. It was basically failing to build the drive information and took ages to open anything.

This could be a HDD error try running a program called HDTune and see if that notices any issues.

Could also be that the system is searching for network drives/resources that no longer exist. Maybe even a disconnected peripheral (I just found ton's of stuff when I enabled "Show hidden devices" in Device Manager)