Do you have lots of files in that folder?

My guess is that the excel/word/windows is trying to get that list.

If you reorganize your files into various subfolders, it may get better.

(maybe????)

Paul wrote:

In Office 2002s Excel and Word (under Windows XP Professional SP3) when
attempting to open a file (File Open Look in: <a different directory)
or close this sub window, a delay of 5 seconds or more occurs. The drive is
physically attached to the computer in use. Suggestions to speed up the
command are appreciated.

--

Dave Peterson