XP - slow response times

I am trying to sort an XP problem. Running XP SP3 Professional 32 bit with ALL updates.

A couple of weeks back it developed a response time issue in that commands were not actioned immediately but hesitated.

For example:

<Win_key> & R will immediately bring up te Run box. Type in CMD for a command window and it opens immediately however, it takes about 5 seconds before it comes back with the C:\ prompt.

If I then type a command - ipconfig or ping www.bbc.co.uk it takes about 10 seconds for the config to be displayed or the first ping result to appear (and it is correct).

I tried a system restore - no change.

When trying to diagnose it I started SPECCY to see if there was anything that looked a little odd - the only thing that showed up and was removed was a scheduler item. However, with SPECCY running, the response time for ipconfig or ping commands is back to normal - immediate response.

Close SPECCY and the problem returns, restart it and problem disappears. Reboot - problem remains until SPECCY is running ...

AV including McAfee Stinger and Malware bytes show nothing untoward.


Any ideas what has happened and why SPECCY seems to cure it?

Screendump of all processes and screendump of all running services.

I have half a dozen ideas, but each might require 20 questions. Easier to start with processes and services.

I'll send you a link to a couple of screen shots.