pr0f3n

OK, I did a few searches and couldn't find anything related to my problem...
First, lemme apologize for my Tech-ineptitude.

This morning my co-worker's computer started taking approx 2 minutes from the time we'd hit an application's icon to the time the actual window opened. The application starts running, but it doesn't open a window ( Control Panel, IE browser, etc. ) for at least 2, and up to 7, minutes.

Ok, facts: 2ghz celeron cpu, 128mgb RAM, 60gig hard drive ( no clue on the model), WinXP, IE 6, every critical update available up to 8/27/03, including virus patches. DSL dynamic IP, witha 8 port netgear hub and a cisco DSL router (i think!). LAN connection with 5 stations.

So, after 40 minutes with the Dell tech support fella, including hardware checks, loading in safe mode and trying all the different ways I can start up ( i.e. just System.INI, then System.INI and Basics.INI, yada yada ) we find that the problem disappears when the DHCP client is disabled. Which is great, except the computer is only used for online-related work stuff. So while I'm running all these tests for the Dell guy, I'm getting a "not responding" message from something called "sysfader" every time I reboot, which my homey at Dell doesn't think is that interesting.

We have a tech-support of sorts for our online database, and they suggest changing our IP to a static IP, which we do, and lo and behold the problems' back, window opens 2 minutes after you click the icon. The techie i'm talking to tells me to turn off the "fader" option under desktop properties/appearance/effects.

So, sysfader off, DHCP off, static IP address and... two minutes to open a window. Nobody's downloaded anything recently, no weird/spam-ish e-mails opened, I've restored the system up to a month back, cookies/temp files have been deleted. I didn't install anti-spyware yet, and I haven't just plain re-formatted, but it seems that anytime we connect to the internet, it takes 2 minutes to open a window.

I apologize for the length of this post, but after 5 hours and an unexpected education in basic system functions... this is like a question and a rant combined. I'd rather shove lemon juice soaked sticks in my eyeballs before I just blindly swing away at this again. Any advice would be astoundingly marvelous and VERY apprecated. Thank you.

__________________
In heaven all the interesting people are missing.
Friedrich Nietzsche

slant eyes

did you mean hub or switch? there is a difference. if it's internet related, and the problem only occurs when you connect to the internet, try eliminating some items in between. make a direct connection to the internet source. ie, plug it straight into the cable/dsl modem, bypassing the cisco router and the netgear hub.

i didn't catch what os you are using. what programs do you have installed on there? was there a drastic change just prior to noticing these problems?

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no man or woman is worth your tears - and the one who is, won't make you cry

question authority, don't ask why, just do it!

pr0f3n

Definitely a Hub, DS108 model under hubs on the netgear website.

No drastic changes, it just randomly started this morning. OS is WinXP, all programs have been installed in excess of a month, but they're all basic stuff, IE 6, Norton antivirus, and everything that came from the factory ( MS's basic software like Works, money manager, media player).

Adobe reader and some medical software (downloading readings from blood glucose monitors) are the only software that's been added since we took it out of the box, plus Microsoft updates.

I can try eliminating the router and hub, i think, though that's really honestly way beyond my expierence (e.g. plugging in a DSL line at home) The problem happens when I'm connected to the Internet, but it's not solely internet apps. MS works, Control Panel, My Computer, any window/folder, et al is doing the same thing.

Someone I'm talking to tonight insists I check the RAM... I'm about ready to just reformat the f-er.

__________________
In heaven all the interesting people are missing.
Friedrich Nietzsche

slant eyes

well, if it was RAM, the problem should persist regardless of you using internet or not.

here's another suggestion, are you capable of readily changing out the network card? i have one that i carry with me that plugs into the usb port. it could also be drivers or the network card itself that is conflicting. worth a shot, since this takes less than 10 minutes, while formatting and totally restoring would take upwards of 2 hours.

__________________
no man or woman is worth your tears - and the one who is, won't make you cry

question authority, don't ask why, just do it!

pr0f3n

I have an instruction manual

I can figure that out. I did turn off (uninstall?) some drivers at Dell tech support's instructions, basically sound and video if I recall. I'll look into locating a portable network card while I'm getting some RAM for this poor machine.

I really appreciate the feedback, I know how frustrating helping people who are talking way out of their element can be.

Besides, I can always use the fire-axe in the hall to "reformat" if the problem persists

__________________
In heaven all the interesting people are missing.
Friedrich Nietzsche

kalisto_911

using an axe to reformat sounds like a very pleasant experience!

__________________
I know not how I may seem to others, but to myself I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to content myself with. [Plato]

slant eyes

no need to mention it. we all here to help. one day, i'll have something i need help on, and you'll be able to offer some feedback. community, i think that's what it's called.

if you do, please make a video and do share.

__________________
no man or woman is worth your tears - and the one who is, won't make you cry

question authority, don't ask why, just do it!

pr0f3n

Ya, I can give great feedback if you're trying to alienate the opposite sex It's all about the smile.

It's definitely the internet connection, I can diable the connection and open windows like normal, then reconnect, which is a passable fix pro tem. The network card is part of the motherboard, so it'll probably be a warranty issue.

I'm getting a portable network adaptor from someone this afternoon to just double check this is the for sure problem, but I can't fiddle with the router/hub/doohickies until the weekend.

Unfortunately for y'all, my OfficeSpace Moment(tm) will have to wait.

Much <3 for TFP tech crew

__________________
In heaven all the interesting people are missing.
Friedrich Nietzsche