outlook xp freezes

When I open an email, with an attachment, in my inbox very frequently outlook will freeze. It only freezes if the email has an attachment. The only way I have found to restore normal operation is to run Detect Repair under the help menu, reboot and proceed as normal. The frequency of this problem could be twice a day to once a week. The problem went away for a while when I installed the newest service pack.
Any help?

 

How big are these attachments?

Are you allowing OL sufficient time to deliver mail before opening emails? I find this can slow down or "stall" it. I like to give it plenty of time to send/receive before interfering.

What's the size of your PST file(s)? Don't exceed 2GB, and I wouldn't exceed 1.5GB if it were me.

Do you keep your pc cleaned up?
www.theofficeexperts.com/cleanyourpc.htm

I'm assuming you're a home user.