Windows XP OS

We have a Windows 2000 server based network. We have multiple Windows OSes as clients. 2 of the clients are Windows XP professional (volume lecensed versions). Only these 2 systems take a very long time at “apply your settings” screen. This problem is specially noticed when we tend to have any network related error.
Can someone pinpoint the problem and a solution if you have one.

I shall post mine if find a solution.