! Slow Start and shutdown in XP

Hello,

I have no viruses and have also restored to a previous date. Dell 2ghz XP
Pro.

Over the last few days the computer can take up to 15 minutes to start up.
It hangs right before the desktop shows. Then it will hang when selecting a
"user". For example, if I select "Kenny" it will say "loading personal
settings" and stick for up to 10 more minutes. Once on, the computer seems
to work fine.

This also happens at "lot out" and "shutdown".

Any suggestion?

Thanks