Applications loading up slow

[hksoftware]

I had this problem where programs would load up into memory very slow. So slow in fact that my machine would lock up for a few seconds. Eventually things would load up as normal, but it's a 1GHz machine and should load Word up in a few seconds, not a minute.

I reinstalled XP pro and it worked fine for a year, proving it to be a software problem. It's not started happening again though. Strangely, it's only when I log in. Other user accounts are fine. It's doing my head in, as it's running like a 100MHz machine for me!!!

I'm clean of viruses and spyware/adware.

I read that you can repair WinXP by booting from the CD and choosing Repair the second time the CD asks (the first time is for ASR) Although it does not ask a second time, only lets me overwrite the installation losing documents, or reformat & install.

Thanks for any input.

 

[bcastner]

You do not mention how much RAM you have. At least 512k is better than anything less.

Then adjust the OS factors that can easily effect this:

. defragment your hard drive
. faq779-4518
. faq779-4784

Be sure you do a reboot between the "fixes."

Last suggestion: use Device Manger to see if there are any devices that are troublesome. If you have more than one defined network adapter, disable the unused ones.

The other issues with the overhead for Windows display options, WIA service, etc. are covered in FAQs above.

 

[linney]

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

If you do not get the option to repair it may be an indication that the problem may be unrepairable and a clean install is in order. Follow the advice in the above article about saving your valuable data while you can.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Microsoft (GIANT Antispyware) Beta available
Thread779-979113

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Here are several archives of the Black Viper pages:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,13358550

 

[hksoftware]

Thanks for the help.
I had 256Mb or SDRAM and a 1.3GHz AMD Athlon.
I've popped in another 128 stick but the problem persists.

I've created another user account, which has the same problem.
I've defragged c: but to no avail.

This is really annoying me as it's so slow!
Sometimes I'll click on the start button and it'll take a whole minute to display the start menu.

Processor usage is normal. Not at a constant 100% or anything like that. If I have Task manager open when running a program, the memory used by the program slowly increases as it loads into memory, nowhere near as fast as it should load up.

Any other ideas?

 

[linney]

Is there any update available for your Bios, have you tried setting the Bios to use Safe Defaults?

Are there any errors mentioned in the Event Viewer?

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

How many Startup programs are loading, are there an unusual number of them?

Here are some links to some diagnostic or benchmarking programs that might throw some light on the matter.

Check out

http://www.pcpitstop.com

for some tests you can run on your PC.

Everest

http://www.lavalys.com/products.php?lang=en

AMIDiag® for Windows

http://www.ami.com/products/product.cfm?CatID=3&SubID=23&prodid=123

SiSoft Sandra

http://www.download.com/3000-2086-10018691.html

HARDiNFO

http://www.usro.net/products/hardinfo/

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...hmark+programs"+hardware+benchmark+xp&spell=1