Improve Windows Explorer Performance when browsing folders containing DWG files

I have had this issue a number of times recently, slow performance of AutoCAD's dialog's when browsing folders containing DWG files, and slow performance of Windows Explorer when browsing folders containing DWG files.

Here is the solution...
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=7233470&linkID=9240617

Fix details...

Folders containing design data are slow to populate
Published date: 2006-05-08
ID: TS1056624

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2007
AutoCAD® 2006
AutoCAD® 2005
AutoCAD® 2004

Issue

When you were browsing in a folder that contains design data files, such as AutoCAD Drawing files, the display was very slow to populate.

Solution

This issue can occur if the Digital Signature option is enabled on a Windows® XP machine. This is expected behavior if you are using digital signatures. The display is slow to populate because the the status of the digital signature for each file is being verified so that the appropriate icon can be displayed.

To disable the Digital Signature option

1. On the Start menu (Windows), click Run. 
2. In the Run dialog box, enter C:\Windows\System32\AcSignOpt.exe. 
3. Click OK. 
4. In the Signature Validation Options dialog box, clear the Validate digital signatures and display special icons check box. 
5. Click OK. 
6. Verify that the population speeds for folders has improved.

Additional Note 

I have noticed that if you run a re-install or repair, or install a service pack update to any Autodesk products, the Digital Signature option is re-enabled, so you will need to disable it again.

Comments

[Ludo Hartzema]

This solution seams to work great!

We had trouble with more then one person inside the same folder, when it contains DWG's on our Novell OES server.

Opening these folders took an additional minute (if you were lucky) before showing the contents of the network folder.