IE 7 Hanging and Freezing

I am using XP Home and Internet Explorer 7 . It regualry hangings up or freezes when trying to open a page on the Internet (usually when opening IE for the first time). Sometimes it works lightening fast with no problems for a few minutes or a few hours but sometime I go to open IE and it hangs up for anywhere from 30 seconds, to a couple of minutes to endless hanging. I have all the latest update service packs, patches, etc. I have run Norton, registery cleaners and malware/adware programs. I have not been able to find anyone who knows what is causing it or what to do. Please provide suggestions. Thanks.

 

Thanks, I'll try your suggestions and let you know what happens.