I'm not sure if these problems are linked, but I'm having a few different problems. First of all, when I first restart or turn on my computer, explorer is fine. Then after an unknown amount of time or because of an unknown problem, explorer gets really slow. When I open up my computer, it searches with the flashlight for at least 5 minutes before any of the drives show up. I have to type in the address bar what folder and drive I want to go to. And after that, sometimes in random folders, the flashlight comes up again. I have c as my main hd, e as backup, d as a cdrw, and a as a floppy, if that matters. Second problem, I have to refresh using IE or Crazy browser whenever a new page opens up. Once I refresh, the page loads up fast like normal. It doesn't happen when it opens in the same window, but when I open a new window/tab is when I have to refresh. I use comcast cable with a D-Link Router if that matters. So like I said, I don't know if these problems are linked, but I would like to fix them. Thanks in advance!

oh, and there are no viruses or spyware on my computer, as I have checked with different checkers.

Which version of IE is installed on you computer. and what sort of a connection do you have.

IE 6, and comcast cable internet

I have the same problem, and found this board with a search engine. I have Win 98SE, and have been attempting to reorganize directories and make backup DVDs. I found it was about 5 times faster to use the desktop HD through my network from my notebook, rather than using the desktop directly, so it's not an I/O problem, but something that must be using processor capacity. I'm using system monitor, however, it doesn't tell me what programs are using what. I am getting ready to move (hence the backup) and may just wipe the HD clean and install XP when I arrive in my new place. Any other suggestions?