Hello I wasn't exactly sure where to post this question as I'm new to the computers section here, usually I'm wrenching on cars and trucks.

But I have a desktop that is running xp and it has a pentium processor at 3.2 ghz with 1 gig of ram. I don't understand why it takes so long for it to load applications?

I have a laptop (xp as well) on the same network with the celeron processor at 1.3 ghz and 736 megs of ram and it runs just fine.

The desktop really shows it's issue when you power it on and then open up IE... is this an OS problem or something to do with IE? Should I reinstall the OS on this computer? Or maybe run a different browser like Firefox? But at the same time the other day I tried opening properties under my computer and it seemed to take forever! I know I've heard of people "cleaning" up their HDD's or removing things from opening when the computer starts up, would that be the cause? I'm about a 5 or a 6 on a 1-10 scale of knowledge when it comes to computers so step by step would be a big help!

Help/suggestions/anything would be greatly appreciated! This is a computer that my mother uses and I know it's starting to be very bothersome for her. Thank you in advance!

You can always reinstall the OS. Some professionals do it every year or so, just to keep their systems running.

Most often, it's because you're loading too much "stuff". Is your system tray (bottom right of the screen) filled with icons? (And why does every company think they MUST have an icon in the tray?)

Download and run CCleaner:

CCleaner - Home

That will clean out the crap in your temporary directory and other places.

Download and run MalwareBytes:

Malwarebytes.org

It will tell you if you're running something that you shouldn't be running. It will also help you fix it.

Get a copy of AutoRuns (from SysInternals - now owned by Microsoft):

Autoruns for Windows

Click on the "Logon" tab. Everything there is being launched at boot time. Right-click on the entry and select "Search Online". Your browser will be launched and a search page (often Google) will appear and that file will be searched. Anything that you don't really need (Adobe Reader Speed Launcher, QuickTime task) should be unchecked (you can always check it later if it turns out you need it.

Also, get rid of unneeded "Browser Helper Objects" under the Internet Explorer icon. Uninstall junk you don't need.

The last possibility is that your system is infected with a real nasty -- like a RootKit. There are RootKit identifiers, but they are not easy to use. If you think you might have one, reinstalling the OS is the best way to go.

You need to get a good spyware cleaner program. The program I use is called Advanced System Care. I've got the pro version but the free version is just as good. Each day when your computer runs slow or slower, just use the program and clean out all the pesky spyware or adware on your system. You'd be shocked at how easily stuff is embedded onto your system just going to several sites.