[ac26xp]

I have 3 computers that connect to the internet.

Two of which are “networked” through a USB from DSL router, and then daisy-chained via ethernet connection.
The third is a wireless laptop gaining access to internet via an Aiport that is connected to DSL router.

The two "networked" computers are:
(from the DSL router to) a Gateway 500GR, Pentium 4, 3.0GHz, 2GB RAM Windows XP (sp2);
and then (through ethernet LAN cable) to
HP Pavilion 9870, Pentium 4, 128MB RAM, Windows Me

The Laptop is a Gateway MT6451, AMD64, 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, Windows Vista.

My problem:

The Gateway 500GR is so slow on the internet, while the HP Pavilion (which is daisy-chained to the slow Gateway) and the Laptop are normal (if not very quick) accessing the internet.

Even when I power up all three computers and access the same internet site on all three computers, the Gateway 500GR seems to take forever, while the HP and Laptop load up pages just fine.

Why the discrepancy in speed when all three seemingly get internet access from the same source?
And again, that HP is getting internet access through the networked Gateway 500GR… sheesh.

On this slow Gateway 500GR, I have:
1) ran Disk Cleanup utility, including deleting temporary internet files, cookies, etc
2) gone into Windows Explorer and deleted cookies from the Cookies folder
3) De-frag hard drive
4) Disabled local network connections, unplugged all connections (except the incoming from DSL router), turn other computers off.

None of this speeds-up internet access.
Granted, removing cookies could add to the lag by having to download the familiar content again, but it is not about the cookies.

I am now thinking that the Gateway 500GR is accessing other parts of the computer/network before or during internet load-up.
However, as previously mentioned, even with the local area connection (network) disabled and other computers off, the internet load-up is still abnormally slow.
Does the registry have anything to do with it?
I am hesitant to mess with Regedit.

How do I get this computer back to normal internet access speed?
Again, the other 2 computers easily access the internet with seemingly no lag.

Thanks
AC

[Ethereal_Dragon]

have you tried installing a different internet browser to see if you notice any difference with different software? I would suspect a software issue, perhaps with the browser you are using now. I am guessing you are using IE now...

[Ste]

Posting a Hijackthis log will be helpful as well.