Trouble with Browser page load "sticking"

[Yorky]

It happens in all Browsers (IE8, Chrome, Firefox) loading of pages gets "stuck". Sometimes Chrome says "waiting for cache" other times "waiting for the site" but never completes. In each case it needs the refresh button to be hit multiple times before the page loads. This doesn't always work though.
I find that if I open a link in a new tab there's more likelihood of success, but its not guaranteed. Often I just give up in frustration and restart.

I'm running Xp SP3 with latest microsoft updates. It may be a just an impression, but I thought the problems started after IE8 was installed.

[Speedy Gonzales]

That happens here often

[mzee]

IE8 & XP do not get on very well so could have a problem.
FFox version 3.6 has some problems with XP, tho' I find that its Ok in Windows 7.
Its odd that all the Browsers are stalling. Could it be a Firewall problem?

[Blam]

Does this happen to all PCs on your network or just you?

Do you use a wireless connection, or wired?

Try booting up in Safe Mode with Networking(tap F8 on boot and select this option) to eliminate interfering programs/firewalls.

Blam