I have been searching for a solution for some 4 months, and as a last resort
before a complete reinstall ( a good part of two days) I was hoping that some
wise individual could point me in the right direction for the following.

On a XP SP1 platform (Laptop) with all the current updates, bar SP2 whenever
I use a dial-up connection the modem connects. However whilst connected if I
attempt to start an application from the "Quick Launch Bar", or from the
"Start Menu" I get an hour glass for about a minute, and no application.
This condition continues for anything up to ten minutes.
I have discovered a work arround, by opening My Computer then Control Pannel
(under common tasks) and finally Network Connections. There I disable my Lan,
then re-enable it, and presto all the application I called for, open.
Alternatively the same applies with my 1394 Connection.

I have tried just about everything, (removing protocols, connections,
settings and then recreating all connections).

It seems to be networking conflict but I shall remain humble.

Other observations I have noticed a good many residual entries in the
registry for different Lan connections and network printers that I have been
connected to in the past.

I would like to resolve this prior to applying XP SP2.

Thanks in advance
MARC