Minute long freeze in several applications (e.g. Windows Media Player)

[dysdentity]

A few days ago, some applications have begun to freeze right after startup. They don't respond for several minutes and then suddenly work completely normal. I've noticed this behavior in XBMC, Windows Media Player and an application that I've programmed myself (using Python and PyQt, not related to media playing).

The problem seems to be related to the file system somehow, as the freeze returns when I open a "Save as..." dialog in my application. However, other programs work fine, including "Save as..." dialogs. The event log does not show errors or warnings.

 

[indianacarnie]

Simple things first. Have you tried a system restore to before this started? Have you ran a system file check?

 

[dysdentity]

I have found the problem: It was related to my DVD drive - I've unplugged the drive and everything works fine now. If someone has a similar problem in the future and finds this thread: Check all your drives!