[Boatanchors] Computer slow problem

[WØQFC]

(I hope this is not OT for the BA list cuz I use the computer for Ham Radio 
programs too)

I have a HP DX2250 computer with 125 GB free on the HDD, 2 GB Ram, Win XP 
PRO w/all latest updates.
I have defragged the HDD and checked for errors, removed cookies, Internet 
Cache, ran every virus program I could find, checked for Trojans and Worms, 
checked the RAM chips, run only a bare minimum of programs, defragged the 
registry, removed Temp and Tmp files and ran every maintenance program I 
could find but still have the 'slow' problem(s):

The machine takes a very long time to start up and shut down.
Clicking on the IE8 icon takes a long time to load a web page.
Clicking on any link also takes a long time.

Short of reinstalling XP PRO is there any suggestions on how to fix this 
'problem'?

TIA es 73


Gene, WØQFC
Spring Hill FL