I have a problem where microsoft office 2003 (word, excel) opens up very slowly if you open files directly from windows explorer. i.e. browse to where the file you want to open is and then double click on the file to open.
However if I open up word or excel up first then select the file I want via the menu bar (file >> open etc) it loads quickly and without any delays.

If I disconnect the network cable.. Microsoft excel and word will work normally, i.e. open up fast whether I open a word/excel document via windows explorer or open up word/excel itself then open the file.
I have all the updates for ms office 2003 and windows XP sp3.
I have checked that there are no COM add-ins, made sure that EnableShellDataCaching is enabled.
I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling QOS packet scheduler, Client for MS networks & file and printer sharing for my network adapter.
I have checked that there are no disconnected mapped drives or printers.
I have run various antivirus scans, chkdsk scans and defrags. I have also tried changing antivirus programs (mcafee antivirus enterprise v8.5 and microsoft security essentials) with no affects.
Can anyone help me out with this frustrating problem or direct me to try things I should check to rectify this issue?
The machine has 2GB of RAM, so it should not be due to a lack of resources
Thanks in advance guys