Why two Windows Folders in Local Disc?

not delete device manager,

uninstall the hardware, but if the hardware is listed as working properly, then no do not uninstall.

what you can do is reset your router, turn off for 5 mins and then turn back on.

is the device Internet gateway part of the router supplied by your ISP?

you might call them, ask why your internet is sluggish.

malware will do this, do the following:

Download, install, update and do full scan with these free malware detection programs:

Malwarebytes (MBAM):   http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free

SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS):  http://www.superantispyware.com/

Remove all found, reboot, and run again until scans run clean, these can be removed afterwards if you so choose.

also in device manager, go to view in the top toolbar and choose show hidden devices, are there any errors now?

no errors in event viewer?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/internet-explorer/slow-five-tips-to-boost-performance

you can try the first 4 steps here.

will look for more.

Device manager shows no errors. Is it really safe to delete Device Manager and how do I do it? I could do a system restore I suppose in case things go wrong.

By router, I mean the HUAWEI HG523a broadband Wireless N160 ADSL2+ which my ISP supplied recently. I used to use a HUAWI Smartax MT882  broadband modem. My XP is ethernet wired to the router.

I have already installed antivirus, Sp3 and all updates offered.

There are a few services such as Remote Assistance and others I might not need and may disable a couple mentioned by Blackviper.

Just one point I have noticed is that my my Vista laptop, even when wirelessly connected, is able to download quickly without freezing as does my Wife's Windows 7 desktop. Does this help to solve my problem?

what does device manager say on this hardware?

you  can uniinstall it and then reboot and let windows find it again.

by router do you mean what your dsl company installs for you to get internet?

mine does not show up ...

did you install a antivirus? 

did you install sp3?

are you fully updated at Microsoft windows update?

go here for services to see if you have all the ones necessary started:

http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-xp-x86-32-bit-service-pack-3-service-configurations/

Yes already done all that Elizabeth thankyou, but you mention checking the status of Networks. I have my usual Local Area Connection showing in "Lan or High-Speed Internet" as connected but I also now have Internet Connection showing in "Internet Gateway" as disconnected. This wasn't there before with my previous router. I recently had a new one. I can't get it to show Connected. I wonder if this might be exacerbating the download problem.

I hope that you have installed an antivirus before going on line?

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5201

MSE Download

http://experts.windows.com/w/experts_wiki/89.aspx

MSE installation checklist

besides your reinstall, there might be drivers that have to be installed also, and depending on what service pack was on your pc, you have to have sp3 to make windows update work

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=24

Service pack 3 download

ignore the statement for IT developers only.

look in device manager and see if there are any warnings, right click for properties and find the brand name, part number and we can search for a driver update if needed.

go to control panel, network connections, right click, choose status, connected? need repaired?