Many things could be affecting your ability to quickly download and open an
Excel workbook over the internet. The speed of the server (where you are
getting the file from) controls some of it, the quality of the connection
from there to your computer has some effect on it. The amount of memory in
your computer can also play a role in this. Windows XP is very good at
optimizing an internet connection, so 'tweaking' your system is probably not
needed.

One way to check to see if your connection is all that it should be would be
to run some on-line speed tests from reputable/reliable speed test servers.
This page has several available though it:
http://www.dslreports.com/stest
If you get 70% or more of your 'rated' speed, you have a good connection.
Lets say RR says you have a 4Mb/512Kb connection, then if the tests show you
are getting anything above 2800/358 then things are ok. Even if the test
shows lower than that, time of day can also play in to it: run several tests
from the same location(s) for a couple of days at different times before
passing judgment.

If you have any questions about that or think you have a problem with your
RoadRunner connection, the folks at this discussion forum can try to help you
figure it out: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cable,rr you don't even have
to create an account to ask questions and get help there.

I don't think, at this point, that this is an Excel problem - not unless
loading .xls files that are on your computer is also taking a very long time.
Is this a new computer?

"Koogie57" wrote:

It takes me 3-4 min. to open an Excel Book. I have cable (Road Runner) and
am using USB from modem to tower.Have XP
On my old slow puter using ME it always brought the book up in secs.
HELP! Am also a beginner - know how to turn on and off and thats about it.