I recently noticed that on the xp machine processing times have almost
doubled and there is constant network activity according to the indicators
on the switch. Can't find any probs on the XP machine but on reboot it

says

at the beginning (post test?) xxxx amount of memory and xxxx amount of
shared memory.

Other than the obvious, (find out what's using that memory) Don't forget to
check for virus's. SWEN32 runs as a background and has no particular fault
other than obsorbing memory (and using your E-mail address). Many susch
virus's are non-lethal parisites. Use an up-to-date program. Only one of
many possibilities.