Why does it take up to 2 minutes for Gmail to load?

[bbartrug]

Hi,
Hope this is the right forum.  I've had a problem loading Gmail for several months now, since the time when they changed their privacy policy and I opted out of not allowing them to store my mail to target the ads better.  It takes forever the first time I access the site, but loads more quickly after that.  I'm using Windows XP sp 3, updated automatically by MS.  My browser is Firefox 13.  I just switched to Avast after getting frustrated with Norton, which I deleted a couple days ago.  I used Avast on my netbook and liked it so just updated the version that has a firewall.  I had the same problem with Norton, even after trying the fixes they suggested, so I doubt that the problem is with Avast software.  However, I'm asking everybody, including Firefox and Google, to discover any suggestions which might help with the problem. 

Thanks for your time, BAB 

[!Donovan]

I am using Windows Vista with Firefox 9 and I experience no slowdown with Gmail. Actually, it takes around 4-8 seconds to load.

[mikaelrask]

you could try it through google chrome witch is faster then firefox.

[Gopher John]

Firefox 13.0.1 on WinXP Pro SP3 loads GMail very fast.  I've never had a problem with previous Firefox versions and GMail, though.

[Charyb-0]

First thing I would do is remove all temporary internet files, cache, passwords, autofill, cookies, etc.

I would also check to see if there are any browser extensions that may be causing this. You haven't mentioned which extensions you have installed.

[DavidR]

I've just opened my inbox and it took a few seconds and that was including my auto password logon.

I generally don't use it with my desktop, but on my Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Avast Mobile Security and even then it is only seconds.