Hi Jim, thanks for your quick reply to my post!
I run VW on a single iMac with no files shared across our network _ all my work is on my internal HD.
After clicking to VW icon to launch, the start sequence begins quickly. When the VW app window shows 'Checking Activation' it stays on that screen for 3 or 4 mins, then once all the start up window functions are done and VW opens, it takes another min or more for the app to be available for work. I have updated to SP2, but this is no faster. I did not see this delay in versions 2016 or 2017 running on the same iMac. Once up and launched, VW runs really well _ such a great CAD tool.