long delay for start menu + properties

You could try this, might not work but its worth the shot.
If win98/ME goto RUN, type in MSCONFIG, click ok.
Under the general tab select "selective startup and remove the check from:
Process config.sys file,
Process autoexc.bat file,
Load startup group.
Apply & ok.
This will give the system a clean boot, pretty good when troubleshooting.

I would also check to see if your video card and NIC are sharing an IRQ or resources. The delay like that I've found is usually associated with video problems, like being short on video memory. If they are sharing an IRQ, see if you can change the settings for the NIC or move it to another slot.

Just a thought, but maybe there is a program somewhere on your start menu that points to a network location.
without the NIC installed the system doesn't try to locate this program, but WITH a NIC installed, it actually browses the network looking for this program, thus causing a delay. I would check all your programs, and shortcuts on your start menu. check their properties, see where they're pointing.
It's a long shot, but worth look at!
Good Luck!

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