I have written a program on WinNT (PIII processor, 256mb RAM),which searches an Access db every 2 seconds +/- , looking for requests posted by another program. I also have 2 log files and COM1 port open for possible comms to an external system. The program (not running as a service) works perfectly BUT it virtually uses all the system resources (ie. it takes forever to load up MS EXcel or Windows Explorer etc.). How can this be overcome?. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.