Computer Issues

[TheGamingChef]

Hey yall, I was wondering if the resident OS computer gurus could help me with an issue I've been having.

A couple of weeks ago, when I first started up my computer, I noticed it was really, reeeally slow. It would take up to five minutes just to get to the log in screen (Windows XP) and then the mouse cursor would only refresh its location on the screen about once every two or three seconds. If you did manage to log in, the desktop wouldn't load for another ten to fifteen minutes. It was impossible to do anything except shut it down and try again.

Originally this issue would only occue about 30-40% of the time when I started the machine. I tried to think of some fixes, so I ran a virus scan (nothing there), a spyware scan (found some and fixed the problems), and a hard drive defrag. Thought I would be allright.

But now this issue is happening over 90% of the time when I turn the computer on. It's getting to the point where I am almost unable to even access the desktop or anything at all. I need some help here!

I have thought of two possible causes, so let me know what you think of these: Number 1 is that I live with a very furry cat. Could the fur clogging up the insides be the issue? Number 2 is that I generally just press the power button on the front of the terminal to turn the computer off instead of a full "shut down". Is that a problem?

I have an eMachines with Windows XP that I bought in February 2006 if that means anything. Other than this problem, I haven't experienced any issues whatsoever. Thanks for any help.

[mudtiger]

Re: Computer Issues

A few things I'll throw out

Is it text screens you are staring at during the long boot up? Or a windows screen?

Boot into safe mode and see if that's quicker. If it is, some driver or start up program slowing you down. You'll want to look at programs you installed around the time this started and start uninstalling some of them to see if it gets better. Also look to upgrade your audio/network/video card drivers.

Do you have any usb hard drives or other devices connected, try disconnecting them during boot up.

Have you made any bios changes lately, particularly in regards to boot order? Like setting the cd rom to boot first? Even if you haven't you may want to make sure your windows hard drive is first in boot order in the bios.

Try right clicking on the hard drive in my computer and going to properties - tools and error check.

You may want to post a hijack this report at tech forum like http://www.techsupportforum.com/secu...this-log-help/
so they can go over it and make sure you have no virus or malware.

Do you have an anti virus program? Is it scheduled to run during boot up?

Look in the event viewer for various errors that are happening at the time of boot up.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427

And the cat and the power button thing are no big deal. It's not a bad idea to open up the case and clean out some of the dust/cat hair, but it shouldn't cause 5 minute boot ups. In fact, with the computer off, open up the case, clean some of the dust, and make sure all the 'stuff' is plugged in firmly.

If I had to take a guess, I'd guess virus, hard drive failing, or corrupted driver.

If you are having problems even getting to the desktop, you may want to think about a format and reinstall of XP.

[Kalon]

Re: Computer Issues

I was going to say the same thing he said. Never should you have a 5 minute bootup. that shows that there are major problems going on.

[youvalss]

Re: Computer Issues

My PC had some issues too and the XP was loading slower. So I used AVG and NOD32 to scan and remove viruses - and it's back to normal. I also opened the box and used a vacuum cleaner to clean all the dust inside - especially on all the vents (including the adapter vent). Now It's working better and more quiet.

[Moses Shuttlesworth]

Re: Computer Issues

I was going to say the same thing he said. Never should you have a 5 minute bootup. that shows that there are major problems going on.

That's not true. It happens to me every once in a while, but I know there's absolutely nothing wrong with my computer. Sometimes the PC just needs time to clean it's minor internal flaws, in the end resulting in nothing poor, and nothing lost.

[born_bad]

Re: Computer Issues

It sounds like you have a ton of things running at startup which will take the computer a long time to start up.

Click start > run > type "msconfig" > click "startup"

See how many boxes you have checked off. You really don't need more than a few crucial things to open at startup (I currently have 5 things checked off). Do a google seach on things that aren't obvious to you what they are but you can probably uncheck a lot of the things you have there (I'm guessing you're going to have a lot of boxes checked off). An annoying thing when you install software is that a lot of things default to running at startup which isn't at all necessary and makes it take longer for your PC to boot up.

[LP]

Re: Computer Issues

You should get Avast antivirus....it is free and does a good job. It will scan your memory as well as your drives. Also get a registry cleaner. I recommend RegCure. Problems with your registry can really slow you down.

Avast Download