[RobRich]

Interesting. I run trunk development, so these types of issues are generally expected, but branch is usually quite stable.

Anyway, I dropped by mozillaZine for a quick skim. Try this:

Quote:

Start up issues

Slow start up
Windows only
If you are seeing abnormally slow start up times when you first start Firefox delete the temporary internet files in I.E.

Source: Firefox 3.5 FAQ: Look here first! • mozillaZine Forums

On a related note, I would point to a specific Bugzilla ID#, but it appears a few people perhaps not fully understanding how Bugzilla works have stuffed the database with multiple "critical" bug reports for the slow start problem. To anyone tempted to file a Bugzilla entry, take note that a slow start is a not a "critical" software failure, plus there is no need to submit multiple bug reports for the same issue. Search for a corresponding bug entry (odds are the bug has already been reported), read the comments for the bug, then add your findings if relevant and informative to the bug discussion.