Start very slow to respond

WinXP - Over the last month, the response of the Start menu has been extrememly slow. I'll point and click and it'll take 30-45 seconds before it'll pop the menu up. Don't know that I've changed any settings that might cause it. Suggestions?

Thanks.

Download Process Explorer...

Process Explorer for Windows v10.21
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx

... and take a screenshot with it open (Alt+PrtScn), paste it into Paint and save it as a *.jpg. You can then upload the image to the forums here, and then post the pic. in this thread. Also download HijackThis...

HijackThis 1.99.1
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

... then do a system scan and save a log file, which you can then also post in this thread.

Below are the files you suggest. Thanks

I don't see any errant entries in your HJT log, or any abnormal processes running. There's a few things you could try... first download and install TweakUI for XP:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

... then in the LH pane of TweakUI select "Mouse", and in the RH pane set the slider for menu speed. Tweaking the Mouse speed is in effect altering the HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Control Panel | Desktop | MenuShowDelay value in the registry. The default String value is 400 (a lower number means a shorter delay, like 100 for example).

You could also try opening Display Properties | "Appearance" tab | "Effects" button | Remove the checkmark to the left of "Use the following Transition Effect for Menus and Tool Tips". You might also want to try setting the Start menu to the "Classic" view (right click the Start button-->Properties-->Classic Start Menu. You could also install CCleaner, and scan for any Start menu shortcuts that be leftovers from previously uninstalled programs...

CCleaner 1.41.544
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_d5125.html

Tweaking the mouse doesn't help. Ran with CCleaner a few days ago. It is one of my standard usage utilities.

No change yet but thanks for trying!!!! Any other suggestions?