5 second pause opening new window in browser and other menus

[compquackers]

I'm running 2 Windows 98 computers on an ADSL modem/4 port router. DHCP is my chosen method of addresses. All works fine, fast downloads etc, but since I've installed it I find a 4 or 5 second pause when opening a new window in internet explorer, or in other programs when I want to open a file - i.e. i select file, open, and the open file menu hangs for about 4 or 5 seconds before generating some of the file icons. Memory is 256mb and not fully used, windows controls virtual memory, I use Norton Utilities etc and nothing seems to improve this. Memory is 85% free.
Could it be the network causing this? If so what can I do to try to resolve it?
PS. once window is open (in Internet Explorer) it works normally for any new url visited. It's only a problem for the initial opening of a new window. When i use explorer to browse my C drive it is also slower, and large folders' files appear in sections after short pauses between them. During the pauses the Hard Drive LED is off, like its waiting for something. Processor is 1100 so not that slow...

PS. I ran File Monitor and the only problem I can see is this report:

???:7E6F5175 REQUEST=Open PATH=C:\WINDOWS\LMHOSTS RESULT=ACCDENIED OPENEXISTING READWRITE COMPATIBILITY

Could this be the cause?? It appears on other windows that have a pause before fully loading.

 

[jmatt]

Even though these are security articles , you may pickup a tip to help .

http://grc.com/su-rebinding9x.htm

http://grc.com/su-fixit.htm

http://grc.com/su-bondage.htm

 

[compquackers]

Thanks for the great links. Loads to take in there - but I removed Microsoft Client for Networks and all is running very fast now. There must be a way to prevent this pause every time a new window opens - will have to read the links to see what options I have.
Thanks again!

 

[jmatt]

Yes , i'm pretty sure you will find a way around it , using their plan .