Why slow response when saving files or populating file list?

[Fluff]

I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 with Windows XP professional and Office 2003. I
often use a remote data connection which connects over a VPN via a terminal
server. At any time (whether on VPN or not), there is a very slow response
time when asking any Office program to "save as", that is every time the file
list must be populated. Occasionally, there is a not responding message.
Generally, it takes at least five to ten seconds for the file list to appear.

I have seen a resolution for a similar problem for Office XP (Microsoft
Office XP Hotfix Package released 9/12/03) but nothing comparable for Office
2003. Any solutions for my problem would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Michael Bednarek]

I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 with Windows XP professional and Office 2003. I
often use a remote data connection which connects over a VPN via a terminal
server. At any time (whether on VPN or not), there is a very slow response
time when asking any Office program to "save as", that is every time the file
list must be populated. Occasionally, there is a not responding message.
Generally, it takes at least five to ten seconds for the file list to appear.

I have seen a resolution for a similar problem for Office XP (Microsoft
Office XP Hotfix Package released 9/12/03) but nothing comparable for Office
2003. Any solutions for my problem would be greatly appreciated.

Make sure you don't have any network shares active when you don't need
them. Typing in a command line window:
NET USE
will show such network shares, if any. Delete them with:
NET USE * /DEL
Add /Y if you don't want to be prompted.