[MrGnome]

I'm noticing extremely high cpu usage (99%) with network access from clients. I'm running internet sharing with my machine as a gateway, (XP Pro ICS) and my girlfriend's computer as a client (XP PRO). When she downloads something from the internet with speeds over, say 500k/s, it really slows down my system to a halt.

We are using 100mbps network cards between us (mine is nvidia nforce onboard with latest drivers, and hers is RTL8139)

My computer is connected to the internet with a 10mbps Realtek 8029AS card, with latest drivers.

This is really driving me nuts... I realize it must have something to do with network settings or drivers, but i cannot figure out what's wrong.

Any suggestions on where to start checking?

best regards
Joachim