VERY slow file transfer from DVD to Desktop

Okay, got it. The problem is a known kernel/OS issue:

Extremely Slow CD/DVD/HD Read/Write/Copy Performance - Microsoft Community

"Hi all,

I was finally contacted by a Microsoft Research Engineer--this is the title of his position according to what he told me after I inquired from him--late last night, more than twenty-four hours after our scheduled arrangement, regarding the issue. He was very forthcoming and open about the issue, admitting the problem to be an OS kernel/code issue and that it would be addressed by Microsoft as soon as his research team can come up with an operating system patch which would then be made available for installation, publically. He also acknowledged the seriousness of the problems associated with this issue. However, as he described it and because of the complexity of the issue and the solution involved, he was unable to give a timetable before the patch is made available. He said, it might take a week or two, or as long as a month before we hear of any solution."

This was in 2010. We're still waiting.

Oh, and just for the fun of it, I did try a few Aero themes. I could not find a way to make programs' Menu Bar area totally opaque so I would not see Desktop icons, I could not change the color or font on the Taskbar to match other GUI items, and I could not totally turn off ClearType (which gives me a splitting headache).

Thanks very much. :)