Significant sudden slowdown...

I've experience a significant sudden slowdown in both Windows Explorer (maybe 12-15 seconds to open, then several seconds between each folder selection) and Internet Explorer (again 12-15 seconds or more to load), seemingly right after this weeks July 11 Microsoft Automatic Update. I am running XP SP2 and was current will all recommended updates. On July 11, I got 7 additional updates, 4 for Microsfot Works or XP Office (?), and 3 for the XP operating system. Has there been any discussion about one of more of these updates causing significant slowdowns? Should I delete them one by one to see which might be the culprit, and add those back that are not?

 

I would check to see what updates were installed for the XP operating system. The ones for Microsoft Works, and Office shouldnt significantly impact your system as you are describing.

As a general diagnosis, I would suggest starting with the basic housecleaning *deleting cookies, / temp files, run an ad aware scan, and even though it isnt as applicible as it used to be, possibly running a defrag* Other then that, if you could list the 3 updates that you had for your xp OS that would help out a lot. Generally they would be just little security patches.

I would also check your system resources and check to see if you have any apps taking up large amounts of memory/ or anything else being a resource hog.

 

Housekeeping is not an issue, I am a bit paranoid about that. Last three updates were:

Security Update for Windows XP (KB917159)
A remote code execution security issue has been identified in the Server service that could allow an attacker to remotely compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it.

Security Update for Windows XP (KB914388)
A remote code execution security issue has been identified in the DHCP Client service that could allow an attacker to remotely compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it.

Update for Windows XP (KB916595)
This is a reliability update for Windows XP machines. Install this update to prevent an issue in which you may receive a "Stop 0xD" error message on a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Internet Explorere seems to be getting slower yet.