XP Internet problem

Clarifications

try checking the cable and Ethernet port/card. software to do this can normally be found on the manufacturers website

Try changing cable and chek Network card or Update your antivirus and scan for virus sometime virus blocks Network transmission so check for same

The slowness you are experiencing could be caused by many different things. If you have verified that the issue is not coming from your internet connection itself (ie. cable, modem, ISP, etc), then based on the limited information you provided so far, and assuming you are using Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

First, verify the slowness is not due to an anti-virus/anti-spyware web scanner that you may have running. Temporarily disable such utilities to see if they are the cause.

If the issue still exists, continue with these steps:

Try emptying your Internet Cache**.

Next, with Internet Explorer open, click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options. There, click on the Advanced tab and then the Restore Defaults button. Lastly, click Apply and OK. Close & Reopen IE and test.

If the issue continues, download and install the latest version of Sun Java Runtime:
http://tinyurl.com/8a3ov.

Another possibility is there may be an add-on that is causing problems. If you are using Internet Explorer, I would check what add-ons are running and disable any that look suspicious or unnecessary. In Internet Explorer 6, go to Tools and select 'Manage Add-Ons'. Then scroll through the list of enabled Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) and disable the ones you don't want. In IE7, go to Tools and Then Manage Add-Ons and then Enable or Disable Add-ons to do the same.

If the issue still continues, your situation may be due to Spyware... Specially if you ever took advantage of one of those 'Free On-Line Scans' scams or visit web sites that could be considered 'off-the-beaten-path.'
Here are excellent tools for removing spyware, malware and adware:

Ad-Aware:
http://tinyurl.com/5kgsl

Spybot Search & Destroy:
http://tinyurl.com/78ubw

CWShredder:
http://tinyurl.com/5lstv

X-Cleaner Micro:
http://tinyurl.com/357tuu

I would also use this tool: RootKitRevealer (http://tinyurl.com/y3hgq9) or this new free one from McAfee (http://tinyurl.com/2v6n8x). Be sure to read the instructions for using these tools before using them or deleting anything. Also be aware that you probably won't be able to do anything on your computer while the scan is running and the scan can take a long time to complete.

When you finally get everything cleaned up and running smooth, here are great tools to help you avoid getting that garbage again:

SpywareBlaster:
http://tinyurl.com/g1d9

SpywareGuard:
http://tinyurl.com/3yj37

and to quickly clean out the places where their installers usually hide before you shut down or reboot - ATF-Cleaner:
http://tinyurl.com/2ls4k4
I put a shortcut to ATF-Cleaner right on my Desktop and run it at the end of nearly every day.

Many here would suggest using Firefox or Opera as an alternative to Internet Explorer.

Good Luck

** To empty the Internet Cache - if you are using IE7, open to a browser window, click on Tools, select Internet Options, in the Browsing History section click on Delete and then in the next menu click on Temporary Internet Files 'Delete Files.'
If you are using IE6, click on Tools, select Internet Options and then under Temporary Internet Files click on the Delete Files button.

Let me ask you something when you go online, have you ever opened up task manager and looked at the processes? Do you see mutilple IEExplorer instances running even though you only opened one? Thats a good sign that spyware has invaded and is chocking your connection.

Aslo you should see if you have the same problem is you go into safemode with networking. (Hit F8 durring bootup before the windows splase screen)

I would recomend a good antivirus app, I like AVG free edition.

if you haven't already done so.