I am running Windows XP, have installed all updates, releases, etc. and am current, but my machine (Gateway) is running slow as molasses. I run NortonAntiVirus software and use spam filters, I have scanned the entire machine and there are no problem. I am current with the voirus software protection. Loading a program (incl. MS Office) or just the e-mail program takes forever. It used to be extremely fast. Once I am in Word, e.g., things are normally fast and fine, but getting there is the problem. Even opening e-mail is a nightmare. Opening an e-mail note may take 30-40 seconds. I have run recommended diagnostics on the hard drive recommended by the manufacturer which is fine and there were no problems. I defragged the drive. Any suggestions what I could/should do? Or is this a point where I best reformat the hard drive and reinstall everything? Thanks!

When have you cleared your cache lately ?? Also try to run ADAWARE SE and see if you have spyware running in your system ADAWARE System Security Suite Will help clean old crap out of your system " IF IT AINT BROKE - LEAVE IT ALONE "

What antispyware programs do you have and use? The ones from Microsoft, Adaware, Spybot and Spywareblaster are all recommended and are free. What firewall do you use, XP's built in one, hardware and/or software like Sygate, Zone Alarm, Kerio or outpost? When did you last empty your temporary internet files and off line content files? When did you defrag your hard drive?

I noticed you neglected to tell us what processor you're using on that Gateway. Is it a 386, 486, 486DX? Forgive my sarcasm, but each of those was "extremely fast" about 3, 5, 9 years ago. Have you checked the virtual memory? What hardware or software changes have you implemented on the system since the time when it was functioning according to your high standards and expectations? Did this start occurring immediately after applying SP2? Don't ask me nothin' about nothin', I just might tell you the truth.