annoying boot hang

[yueli7]

ok i got a really annoying problem guys. The computer starts up normally but after i log in the sound taskicon loads up and then the computer does nothing for a good 5 mins before loading zonealarm and then becoming usable. In the freeze, anything you open (such as ctrlaltdel) will open only after zonealarm comes up. The computer also makes no sound during this time (usually clicks when its busy). I run win xp and the confusing thing is that eveything loads fine with another user account on this computer so I dont think its some driver isuue but im not sure. To note, i have scanned for viruses and spyware, updated windows, and also dont have many startup items and the like. I got plenty of RAM etc and nothing hardware has been changed since it last worked fine--which is also a bit too long for system restore. I got bootvis reports but do i need a HJT or something to help? I dont think its zonealarm's problem either.

Probably an unrelated problem is that at around the same time IE7 is also freezxing when you first run it on a startup and any further ie7 opens fine. By this i mean it litterally shows a white screen for a minute with the same symptoms as my startup freeze as nothing works and you cannot ctrlatdel to end task and no sounds from the computer indicating that its busy. I am on a home LAN by the way but ie7 loaded fine even on the LAN before and i also tried reinstalling ie7 and running it with no addons with no effect.

For both issues, as long as you wait for it then the system operates fine. Any help?

[shadowpr]

have you tried uninstalling zonealarm and seeing if the problem goes away?

[yueli7]

No but I have had zonealarm for a long time with no negative effects and also it loads fine with another user account

[shadowpr]

might also want to have task manager up and on procesess before you open up ie and try and see what might be causing the delay.

[yueli7]

it seems to be something with ie7 itself and i've heard a short delay occurs when its searching for networked printers/computers or something but mine is too long