* the only 'smart' options enabled are 'fix or remove broken links' and 'update library for external changes', both of which are essential
* Windows right click + import gives same performance, and I prefer to use 'global' Import Media function to pick up changes and new files, manually added cover art, etc.
* I'm not changing tags outside MC, just occasionally renaming files (using
Flexible Renamer, which allows me to easily clean / reformat file names)
* ZoneAlarm Pro - I switched off the 'OSFirewall' which caused every application to take a *long* time to open. I've not noticed a performance hit with any other apps. However, I have tried the MC Import with ZA shut down - same results.
... an hour later ...
OK, problem solved. It was NOD32. Even though I shut down the 'Control Center', I didn't realise file monitoring was still active. Once I switched off the 'AMON' file system monitor, MC import was lightning quick again. To fix the problem just for MC (i.e. not disabling antivirus completely), I did the following:
1. NOD32 Control Center
2. AMON ... Setup
3. Exclusions
4. Add ... Folder ... C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\USERNAME\APPLICATION DATA\J RIVER\MEDIA CENTER 11\
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.