Windows XP takes too long to start up

[jazzybel]

Hi,

I have a Sony VAIO laptop with a 1.13G P3 processor, 30G hard drive, 256 SD ram, Windows XP, over a year old.

My problem is that when I start up the computer, it will load up as normal to the startup/desktop screen. Once it reaches the desktop, the hard drive/disk light stays on without blinking, and the hard drive continues to make a whirring sound. I'm able to move the cursor around, but if I try to click on Start or on any icon, it takes about 10 minutes for a response. Ctrl-Alt-Del will not work, so I have to push the on/off button to shut the computer down.

Can someone please help me with this problem? I would really like to not have to reformat my hard drive, as I have a lot of irreplaceable pictures and documents. Thanks in advance!

[feigned]

Are you on a network by chance?

[caperjack]

try starting in safe mode and check Start/run /msconfig and see if any strang looking programs are starting when you boot [and uncheck unnecessary ones] .sounds like it to me !!!!!!:)

[jazzybel]

In reply to the first poster...no, I'm not on any network.

In reply to the 2nd poster...Thanks, I'll try that. I have to press F8 when it first boots up, is that right?

[caperjack]

yes

[)BIG"B"Affleck]

QUOTE:" and the hard drive continues to make a whirring sound"QUOTE:
Sure you dont have a trojan of some sort?
Its time for some spring cleaning
and my bitrot line
[post=7207]BITROT DEF HERE[/post]

[JBC455]

XP has a folder called "Prefetch" in the C:/WINDOWS folder. "Prefetch" launches a whole slew of .exe files whether you're going to use them or not.

To greatly speed up your boot time, simply empty C:/WINDOWS/Prefetch every once in a while.

I've done this to about 20 XP machines and never had a problem. Search Google for "Prefetch" if you have any doubts.

John

[poop05]

I just got this and installed it. When i booted up my computer, all it did was lag....SUPER LAG did this to my old memory stick when i replaced the 512 with my old 256 mb. Wut is the problem? can u tell me wut 2 do?

[steosaur(oWn)]

well, 1.13 gHz isnt that great,....have you defragged in a while? or cleaned your disk?
defragmenting helps to speed up
http://www.webattack.com/get/starter.html
that program shows you what is starting up [dunno if it will help]
p.s. is there a disk in your ROM drive? (whirring sound)

[Sardukar]

Program called Bootvis you can run on the machine to see whats making it hang. Most likely is the prefetch folder, I disabled this "feature" as I find it to be more a hindrance than a help. If you wanna disable it, do this:

1. run "regedit";
2. goto [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters\EnablePrefetcher];
3. Set the value to either 0-Disable.
4. reboot.

As for the bootvis program, microsoft does not have it on their website anymore, but you can find it all over the web. Got a link that work today at least, here: http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/12/2/12-2-1.shtml

Once you downloaded it, just right click to install, and follow the instructions. Set it to run on next reboot, and it will keep a log file for you on what program started and how long it took. Helps for isolating particular drivers and programs. Hope this helps.

[steosaur(oWn)]

hey can you post a general description of "prefetch" i'd love to understand that better and add it to my repertoire of computer knowledge (it isnt that big)

[Sardukar]

Sorry for the long delay, just got back. Prefetch is kinda like it sounds. XP monitors files that load on startup, and in theory, after 3-5 boots, your machine will boot faster. This folder can get clogged however, and on my PC I actually notice the opposite effect in booting, goes from about 40-45 seconds to around 2-3 minutes. XP loads these files in the prefetch folder so they get priority on startup.

[steosaur(oWn)]

hmmm cool

[enreyes52]

Hello:

Few things might be culprit. Had the same problem. Try cleaning the prefetch folder in window. Theres a way to set what to keep in prefecth folder, look for info in web. Check and fix registries with a registry appl. Check msconfig startup programs and services and uncheck what you don't need (to open: start/run/msconfig/ok. The most dangerous: HD might have bad surface sectors, and it might get worst till HD dies.

[caperjack]

Hello:

Few things might be culprit. Had the same problem. Try cleaning the prefetch folder in window. Theres a way to set what to keep in prefecth folder, look for info in web. Check and fix registries with a registry appl. Check msconfig startup programs and services and uncheck what you don't need (to open: start/run/msconfig/ok. The most dangerous: HD might have bad surface sectors, and it might get worst till HD dies.

all good info, but this thread is over 6 yrs old