Gotta admit I'm stuck on this one.

[Quakindude]

This problem occurs under any profile. Even when I create a new one and copy over a 30Mb test folder of pics, it takes about 15 seconds for it to open. While the folder is opening, the mouse is completely unresponsive.

[Panda Man]

Its either explorer then, or windows alltogether. You've done your routine maintenance right? Try RegScrubXP yet? How about Registry mechanic (not free)? Personally I don't care for CCleaners registry cleaner, its just not thorough.

[carpenator]

OK, this has me scratching my head too. It doesn't have anything to do with Anti-Virus or Spamware programs does it? It really sounds like it is indexing, scanning, or cataloging the info which is holding it up. Could it be a Prefetch problem as I know XP does that and there is a reg hack to turn it off? What happens if you turn off System Restore?

Just my brainstorming attempt,

Roger

[Hitman]

If it were me I would probably just reinstall XP out of frustration, and see if the problem persists. If you have the same problem with a fresh install then you know it's probably a hardware issue. In this case however I think it's an OS/Software issue.

[Computer-Ed]

Since the issue does not occur in Vista on the same machine we KNOW it is not a hardware issue. Not sure if this is an option but maybe just ditch XP since you have Vista running good?

[screwballl]

right click the photo folder before even opening it and hit properties.. then by Attributes click Advanced... are the top 2 checked and the bottom 2 not checked? I am wondering if there is compression and it is taking longer to decompress the many files???

at least an idea

[Beetle Bailey]

:hmmmm::hmmmm: I know if I use my Kodak program for my pics, it dosen't take very long. But if I try and go straight to the files it's crazy. I don't know if this helps at all. I'm trying.

[screwballl]

another idea.... show hidden files and system files once everything has loaded.... try deleting the file "thumbs.db" for each problematic folder and then close the folder and go back to it.. sometimes that gets corrupted and causes thumbnail issues. The first time yo go back it should reload the thumbnails... also if that doesn't help, check to see if they are set to read-only

[gvblake22]

The Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 drives have a little jumper on them that switches the drive between SATA 150 and 300. By default it is configured as SATA 150 from the manufacturer, try removing the jumper all together and see if that changes anything.

[Quakindude]

Originally Posted by screwballl

another idea.... show hidden files and system files once everything has loaded.... try deleting the file "thumbs.db" for each problematic folder and then close the folder and go back to it.. sometimes that gets corrupted and causes thumbnail issues. The first time yo go back it should reload the thumbnails... also if that doesn't help, check to see if they are set to read-only

Tried the Thumbs.db deletion. That didn't fix it. Thank you for the suggestion though.

Originally Posted by gvblake22

The Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 drives have a little jumper on them that switches the drive between SATA 150 and 300. By default it is configured as SATA 150 from the manufacturer, try removing the jumper all together and see if that changes anything.

My Windows XP install is on a WD2500KS HDD. Thanks for the suggestion brother.