i have 2k8 server and ie 7 it runs so VERY slow if i have the windows firewall enabled. If i disable the firewall it works fine. I have IE listed as an application in the firewall settings to allow but it still is very very slow.

i have found that it is related specifically the public profile for windows firewall.
I don't get why the net is so slow it is not just IE i tried installing google chrome and it was slow to so it s something with the firewall.
I added port 80, IE and chrome to the exceptions list
it did not help to remedy the issue.
Thanks

Then switch it off!
If you think that's a security risk then you need to look at this picture
http://obligement.free.fr/images/windows_firewall.jpg

buy a decent hardware firewall - maybe a wired sonicwall tz170
pick one up for a hundred or so second hand