When Windows NT lists a directory, (Explorer, DIR command, etc.), on an NTFS volume, it updates the LastAccess time stamp on each directory it detects. If there are a very large number of directories, this could affect the performance. A new registry entry allows you to control this behaviour.

1) Back up your registry

2) Open the registry - Start > Run and type regedit

3) Navigate to Here : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/CurrentControlSet/Control/fileSystem

4) Create a new key called NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate by right clicking in the right window and choosing New > DWORD Value.

5) Once that key is created, double click on it and change the value from 0 to 1

6) Reboot and enjoy the speed

As always, only play about within the registry if you are 100% confident you know what you are doing.