Start menu pauses 10 seconds

Please help, I have a problem with my desktop computers, networked using a Soho 5 port hub, to a laptop computer. The problem with the desktop is the a delay or pause everytime I go to the start menu or windows explorer- the pause is around 10 seconds at the "start" (the menu is half blank, clicking on any item has no result,after the ten second pause the menu fills in and I can select a program. Explorer on the otherhand pauses for thirty seconds before finding the network.

The problem definitely seems to be associated with the network, however it did not go away when I took the desktop off the network. Also, I have not been able to get online to run windows update, yet. (I am trying to figure out how to access the laptop's wireless connection, but haven't got it yet).

I ran CCleaner (as I do at least once a day), I double checked properties for the start menu, taskbar, and all shortcuts, but can't see any glaring problem.

I also attempted the fix suggested in another thread, typing "regsvr32 /i shell32.dll" and rebooted- no improvement.

Also downloaded Shellexvie (by Nirsoft) link supllied by microsoft, and ran the program, but was unable to spot any errors.

Lastly, I checked the registry manually to make sure that any profile references wer not fouled... %userprofile% values appear to be correct.

The computer in question is as follows:

Intel D850MV motherboard
Intel 2.53 Ghz processor
512 Mb of memory
Intel Pro 100VE Network Card
Nvidia Quadro4 900XGL workstation graphics card

The hub is a Sohoware ND4205

Other computer is as follows:

Acer Travelmate
Intel core 2 duo 1.6 ghz

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as a ten second delay can seem like an eternity, especially when the client is looking over your shoulder.

 

Adding to the story... I uninstalled the network device from the desktop and then then reinstalled it, and reconfigured the ip addresses... it worked great the rest of yesterday, no delay in start menu, only 6 second delay opening windows explorer. But today, its acting up again.

I am going to purchase a new hub this am as the ND4250 is only capable of 10 Mbps, I hope that will speed up the network delay.

Still hoping for some wise network guru to step up to the plate...