Slow Xp Log On....


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I have recently been experiencing ridiculousy slow XP log on times. As soon as I select any user on the log in screen, it takes about 2 minutes to become usable.

I have zero programmes starting up as I have disabled them all. I have also scanned for viruses using all the usual programs and have searched everywhere for a solution.

I dont wanna do a new install, so does anybody have any ideas? Anybody ever have any similar problems?
 
Same happens to me as well...

Also Shutdown time... takes about 1 - 2 mins to shutdown :(
 
sam fisher posted on Jul 19 2004 at 06:18 PM said:
Yes I have had silmilar problems. I fixed it by intslling and using linux :lol:
I already have/ use Linux, but my family all use XP, and are moaning about this problem.

It seems to happen for no reason. Thats the most annoying thing! :angry: :(
 
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Steve-O posted on Jul 19 2004 at 06:18 PM said:
Also Shutdown time... takes about 1 - 2 mins to shutdown :(
It used to take that long for me, then suddenly it started shutting down within 20 seconds for no readily apparent reason. Scared me somewhat. XP is far too predictable; I prefer Linux because I can see what the hell the system is doing as it shuts down, as well as what might be holding it up (e.g. oops, it's hanging on the usb hotplugging module unload)
 
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I used to also have incredibly long log on times, I figured out it was because there was way too many programs, the majority of which were useless crap, starting up when I logged on. I fixed it by going into Regedit and taking practically everything out of the startup. It may also be a virus, I had a very annoying virus which hid itself every time regedit or an antivirus was opened, so it was very hard to stop from opening.
 
1) Start->Run->msconfig
2) Go to "Startup" tab and turn off any programs you don't need or don't know what the hell they do (use trial and error to see if you DO need them).
3) Start->Control Panel->Administrative Services->Services
4) Disable (or set on "Manual") any services you don't use ("Messenger", which is NOT Windows Messenger, FTP, and Telnet are all excellent choices and will increase your computer security)
5) Run a Scandisk (called "Checkdisk" in Windows XP) then Defrag by selecting Properties on your Hardrive and going to the "Tools" tab (top option is CheckDisk, bottom is Defrag).

Now less common solutions, but they MAY still work...
6) Make sure you have at least 600MB of free space for virtual memory. Remember you can delete your Temporary Internet Files and Temp files by going to Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Cleanup. The more HDD space you have, the more space is accessibly for virtual paging.
7) Uninstall any programs you aren't using.
8) Increase the RAM in your computer. For Windows XP, you should have at least 256MB of RAM, while 384MB is recommended. If you already have over 384MB, then upgrade it further as whatever your environment is, it seems you need more memory to keep up.
9) Upgrade your processor. This will provide a sizable boost in performance if you're running a 1.5GHz Pentium 4 / Athlon XP or lower. If you're running a Celeron or Duron, then you'll need 3.0GHz for the same performance :D Note that you should look at adding more RAM FIRST.
10) If you have a virus scanner, try to make it "less active". All virus scanners I know of have this option, and it makes the scanner less paranoid as it does not check EVERY single file EVERYTIME it is accessed.

When I think of anything else, I'll let you know.
 
This is a weird thing that I've come across quite a few times...

Sometimes seems to have no real reason that I can see. It DOES seem to stabilize after a while though. It can also be due to power management issues - it can be worth trying to switch off advanced power management in your BIOS, though this leaves some machines with a 'It is now safe to Switch off your Computer' screen...

Give it a try - it sometimes helps...
 
generalnmx posted on Jul 20 2004 at 08:03 PM said:
4) Disable (or set on "Manual") any services you don't use ("Messenger", which is NOT Windows Messenger, FTP, and Telnet are all excellent choices and will increase your computer security)
I don't have an FTP service :/
 
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