IE8 (upgraded from IE7) on XP, is far too slow to start when the system is already is immunised with Spybot - Search & Destroy - it seems that this is the problem.
I've been using SS&D for some years now without problems, so if it's possible I'd be more confident to keep using it than IE's new security feature.
What is the right way (without breaking things) to get IE8 snappier on a setup like this, is SS&Ds immunisation now redundant?
You can look in IE8's add-on manager to find out what exact add-on or plug-in is causing a slowdown. There is a load time column in that list. At least those contribute to slow tab creation as well.
As for SS&D: Well, personal computer security usually is "feeling secure" and not "being secure". But IE does some very good things to limit damage something can do. And you don't necessarily click on any link that promises dancing bunnies, right?
I suggested trusting IE 8 just test it, run a couple of sites with SS&D disabled and test the speed
