I am running phped v13 64bit on a win7 64bit i5 with 8GB machine and when I switch between file tabs - it can take 5-10 seconds for the file to become editable whilst something is loading in the background.

I've disabled both Code Navigator and Code Explorer but the problem still exists. Anyone else had this experience and any ideas on how to overcome it?

where are the files located ? Because if they are located on some sort of remote machine ( and you done use the native tfp solution ) phped needs to connect to this machine evetytime you switch.

Code Explorer and Navigator has no relation. You may want to uncheck "Check for externally modified files" if you work with remote files and your network is too slow.
Alternatively, you can create a File transfer account (such as sftp/ftp/windows share/dav) and open remote files using it. In this case the files won't be checked for modification.

Actually all files are just located on my C drive in localhost

Maybe try disabling anti-virus and give it another test. Some a/v can cause strange issues.

So far in summary:
+ All files on localhost C drive
+ No remote files associated with project
+ Code Explorer / Navigator disabled
+ Check for externally modified files has been unchecked

The amount of freezing still seems to be a good 7+ seconds.

When I click on a new file tab - the cursor within the file edit area blinks once, then it appears there is something "loading". Then 7 seconds later the file can be edited.

Any other ideas that might help?

Sorry - also forgot to add that i tried disabling AV - but with no difference detected

did you check my personal message to you ?

also how many total files is this project ?