Worst Windows bug - "Run" box slows to a crawl

[Lyris]

Help me out everyone, i've had this bug for ages, and I just can't seem to figure out what the hell it is.

The problem is that sometimes, when I go to Start > Run - and I do this a lot because I find it quicker than messing around with the Programs menu - and start typing, it slows to a crawl. I can type "notepad" and see the individual letters appear in front of me meaning that the time-saving advantage of using "Run" is totally lost.

CPU or disk usage doesn't rise - it's just delayed reaction.

I've formatted a few times and the problem always seems to come back after about 2 weeks. Just to be sure, I've defragged, I have no spyware in my system, everything else is running smoothly.

I'm using Windows XP Pro, Service Pack 2, Pentium 4 2.8ghz, 1gb of RAM, and have 2 hard disks (120gb and 240gb, both NTFS).

Any ideas?

[VR46]

I had a similar problem ages ago, though not quite so bad, think it was something the start menu that was the problem, I created a "run" shortcut on my desktop and use that now, it's fine now, sounds strange but that's Wndows for you.

[marcus]

When it slows to a crawl, are you able to view task manager as it may give a clue as to whats going on, my guess is explorer is damaged be interesting to see if its that that locks at 100%..

[babs]

It may be that as you use run a lot, it has a large history list and takes time to load/index/whatever it.

If you install tweakUI I believe there's an option to clear it. Try it and see if it helps.

[wicky]

something similar happened to a machine at work

it actually turned out to be the network card (either drivers or cards can't remember which)

[FelixofMars]

I have to say it does sound hardware related, and XP is very touchy with networking. Try to disable your network card(s) and see what maybe causing it.

[Lyris]

That could well be it, I'll take a closer look at my router whenever it next happens. Could well be scanning around my brother's hard disk.