An example of a security program that can cause intermittent slowdowns would be COMODO firewall, if the Defense + option is enabled. This is because HIPS would be enabled, and this program would be analyzing the processes called when you attempt to run the start button. It also may check with COMODO servers to see if the files are valid and clean whether you are connected to the 'net or not. It would be slower to resolve if not connected.
In other words, real-time scanner activity behind the scenes where you cannot see it may be the cause.
This is only an example.
5-10 seconds is not inordinately slow. One to two minutes is. Or a system freeze or hang is a problem.
Without additional information, only guesses can apply here.
Security programs?
As for the sometimes missing quick launch icons, will leave that to another to answer.
My PC is pretty fast, but the windows start menu is sometimes fast & sometimes slow to display. When fast, the start menu displays instantly. When slow, it can take 5-10 seconds.
I have watched the Windows Task Manager to see what is taking resource when the start button delays -- the delay can happen even when System Idle Process is 99%.
There is another issue on the Start Bar. At startup pf the PC, the number of quick launch icon that are placed in the start-bar varies. It might be 4, it might be 9, or something in between. My quick launch icons all work when they are present.
What might be causing these problems?
XP with Service Pack 3
Stan Hilliard

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