Computer takes too long to start

vince cimino

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Feb 19, 2009
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Last month I built a new computer using ASUS motherboard P5N-E SLI with Intel E8400 CPU, 4 GB of DDR2 RAM, ATI Radeon Graphics Card HD3450 running Windows XP Home edition. I have added SP1, SP2, SP3 running CA Antivirus. I had to install a new updated BIOS for the ASUS motherboard. The computer took about 20 minutes to start (boot properly) and after removing (deleting) SP3 and the CA antivirus, the computer now takes about five minutes. Sometimes, though, the computer takes about 1.5 minute to start, which I think it is just right.

I have read that SP3 might be part the problem. By removing the CA antivirus, this reduced the start-up time. I have installed the free AVG version for the antivirus.
I do have a lot of programs including a lot of data, running on a 320 GB Western Digital Hard Drive , 7200 RPM, 16MB cache.

My question is:
Does anyone have an idea why the computer takes a long time to start?

Could it be all those MS pacthes?

I also ahve heard that MS will have a new SP3 for Windows XP around May of 2009.

Anyone with suggestions to improve the start-up time, please provide your comments.Thanks.

Vince Cimino
ciminov@rogers.com


All Microsoft
 
When installing the new parts did you start with a fresh format?

Do you have any start up programs that are timing out? Check your boot.ini file.

Defrag your hard drives.

I don't reccommend this to most users due to there lack of experince of preventing themselves from getting infected with a virus, but I don't use a AV program. They just slow my machince down to much. I just use a firewall and hope that it catches everything. So yes your AV program will slow down your computer some, but I'd make sure to put it back on once you've nailed down the problem.
 
I use Eset Nod32 antivirus and it takes maybe 2 secs longer to startup with it, other av's take longer. nod32 is also probably the best antivirus out there too, it catches more new viruses and has fewer false identifications that any other program according to a review I read, can't remember what site it was...but I recommend it.