Loading times are taking FOREVER

Was wondering if anoyne knew what could possibly be causing my computer to have EXTREMELY slow loading times to get to new areas, its not ram, or processor speed, my friend has 256MB DDR and a 1.9GHZ, and has fast loading time, i have 256MB DDR, and 2.5ghz, dont see a reason i should load any *slower* than he does...his is fast, mine is extremely slow..like get up get a drink & make a sandwitch slow...if anyone has any possible solutions or can diagnos the problem plz post, thanks ahead of time

defrag? lots of processes in background? Virus? Ad-ware? Spyware?

I'm having this problem as well. my system is a bit overkill, but should run the game nicely (though the video card is questionable)

pentium 4, 3.0 ghz
120gb hard drive
intel graphics/media accelerator 228mb
realtek integrated sound
512 RAM

so that eliminates cpu problems. I have realtime virus/spyware protection going, and a selective firewall to block unnecessary connections (I have enabled the ArenaNet connection of course) ...
I was able to run the game fine and create a very cute looking female Ranger, but I'm about to spawn into Ascalon City for the first time, and the progress bar starts downloading and won't budge! are these 600+ files supposed to be on the installation CDs or something? they should be, because this has entered the ridiculous zone. 73 hours from my GW purchase, and nothing to show for it. any help?

Lonely i got exact same specs as you and got same probs.. :l

you don't have a sony vaio by any chance? anyway, I doubt the problems are related to the system specs.

Did you install using the CD or buy the serial number and downloaded everything? I suspect if you install using the CD, there's less downloading required and hence faster loading.