Hi Dave,
Quick update to run down what I have gone through in the last month or so:
1.) Ran a number of different scans which didn't find anything malicious.
2.) Ran through an XP repair, which helped, but didn't get rid of the hang.
3.) Added RAM so that I am now at just under 2Gig. Made quite a noticable difference in response, but again didn't get rid of the hang.
4.) Replaced a DVD drive, which took those CD ROM errors out of the mix, but didn't get rid of the hang.
5.) Removed VMWare from my PC ( around 500 files and registry entries ). That was done using IOBIT.Uninstaller. I recommend that one for stubborn stuff. The removal of VMWare seems to be what removed the hangs and freezes.
So, as you can see, it wasn't AV or any one particular thing, but a combination of things happening over time, some of which I believe we had discussed, like the RAM and hardware.
My PC is now very clean, and response is very good. I hope to keep it that way for a while. I intend to do a hardware and software refresh in about a year or so.
I just wanted to let you know the status now, and say thanks for getting me on the right path here. I appreciate all your help. Thank you very much. If you want to close out this issue, i would be be fine with that.
DC4580.