Hi, I am running Windows XP Home Edition. I have this problem where there is about a 10 second lag time before the message is actually recieved, also during this time, the instant messenger program freezes. This happens with every program I have tried including AIM, ICQ, MSN. But it does not happen in Yahoo for some reason. I am pretty sure it is not a virus or adware because I have the latest update for anit-virus and for anti-adware. This began occuring after I installed my LinkSys router. I have tried forwarding the ports that IM programs use, but that did not work. Right now, I have been unable to find answers anywhere and I would really appreciate it if somebody could help out with this problem. Thank you for your help.

look into the 'special application feature in your routers config, it should be their try turning off the firewall just to check thats alls i can think of router wise do you have a firewall on your computer? Jaymc.co.nr

Thanks for the reply. Well, I turned off the Windows XP firewall, which did not help, and I do not have a software firewall on my computer. I am not sure what you mean by 'special application feature,' but I will look. I also disabled the router's firewall, didn't help either. I am now beginning to think it is unrelated to my router and/or firewalls, but now I have absolutely no idea what could be causing it. Thanks again for your help.