Pages hang then time out when going into Admin mode

I am using WP 2.9.1 and I have been getting the message: “Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded in D:\Hosting\5457395\html\wordpress\wp-includes\pomo\mo.php on line 10” when I attempt to go into the admin page.

This happens from time to time, but nothing predictable,and I am ready to scream from the rooftops with frustration. Things like this are such a time killer when trying to do development work.

Is this a known issue that has been documented somewhere? I am using a theme called Painter 1.1 by Marcelo. Has THIS theme been know to cause issues? I like the theme because of its customization, but will change if needed.

Thanks