If the behavior persisted after uninstalling IE7 and returning to IE6, IE
itself isn't the problem.

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

What security-related applications are installed on the WinXP machine (e.g.,
anti-virus; anti-spyware; third-party firewall)?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.org/


Neppie wrote:
> All good suggestionns, PA Bear, unfortunately none worked. I'm almost to
> the point of reformatting and doing a complete OS reload. Oh, joy. If i
> went through that and the problem was still there I might require rehab.
>
> Again, ISP connection is fine and fast through laptop. With the desktop
> 30
> second (approximately) pausess occur each time the browser is "looking up"
> a
> page that hasn't been visited in that session before. It doesn't matter
> if
> I'm using a direct connectioin via the LAN port or the wireless router;
> the
> pause in explorer is there. Other internet protocols are working fine.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated. - Nep
>
> "PA Bear" wrote:
>> 1. Does this behavior persist if you start IE7 in No Add-ons mode? To
>> start IE7 in No Add-ons mode:
>>
>> Right-click on the blue IE desktop icon and select Start without Add-ons;
>> or
>>
>> Start > (All) Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer
>> (No
>> add-ons).
>>
>> Troubleshooting and Internet Explorer’s (No Add-ons) Mode:
>> http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/07/25/678113.aspx
>>
>> 2. Does the problem persist if you Reset IE7 Settings (RIES)?
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737 <= Read before using!
>>
>> 3. If you uninstall (a) IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6), (b)
>> all toolbars and (c) all third-party Windows Themes (including Window
>> Blinds) and do NOT reinstall IE7, does this behavior persist? If it
>> does,
>> do NOT reinstall IE7.
>>
>> Uninstalling IE7
>> http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html
>>
>> How to uninstall Internet Explorer 7:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927177
>>
>> IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications:
>> http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/200...lications.aspx
>>
>> 4. Required reading IMHO before reinstalling IE7:
>>
>> Sandi's Installation Tips <= FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO THE LETTER!
>> http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install
>>
>> [And I strongly recommend using
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/dow.../getitnow.mspx as the
>> installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.]
>>
>> Make *certain* that you check in at Windows Update immediately after
>> reinstalling IE7 to install any critical updates offered. If Optional
>> Updates category offers Root Certificates update, I recommend installing
>> it
>> to take full advantage of IE7's additional security.
>> --
>> Neppie wrote:
>>> I use two PCs: a notebook with Vista and a desktop with XP pro which I
>>> recently installed IE 7 on. Neither are scream machines, however both
>>> have
>>> half decent specs.
>>>
>>> Pages load lightning fast on the Vista notebook, so know the DSL
>>> internet
>>> connection is working. I can't point to exactly when trouble began on
>>> the
>>> XP desktop or blame IE 7, however there is an unbelievably (well, around
>>> 30 seconds) long pause now before opening a new page.
>>>
>>> Otherwise the desktop works perfectly, I'm nearly certain the problem is
>>> a
>>> setting within Explorer. Of course I've restored the defaults, even
>>> uninstalled IE 7 (presently back to IE 6), still the problem persists.
>>> I've
>>> also bypassed routers, vonage etc. and tried directly from the DSL modem
>>> to both computers. Again, the Vista a lightning bolt and XP is a turtle.
>>>
>>> I experimented disabling phishing while IE 7 was loaded. That doesn't
>>> appear
>>> to be the problem. Other network settings haven't changed Task manager
>>> doesn't show any unusual activity.
>>>
>>> Basically, I've tried everything I know and am still clueless. Any
>>> suggestions will be apprecoated.