Actually I've had similar but not as drastic experinces with every install.  In general I see at least twice the boot time for 2000.  XP loads very fast but ya'll forget one critical point,IT TRACKS EVERY INSTALL YOU DO.  I don't like that.  Windows Product Activation my ass.  When a good hack comes out for that and the first good service pack comes out we'll talk.  Sorry but I don't like doint Microsoft's beta testing for them.