Slow Startup

[Shiznit-O-Bam]

Here's the deal. When I start my PC everything works normally untill the destkop appears and all the processes begin loading. At that point the system seems to stop and wait for something. This is very annoying since it occurs before my anti-virus (AVG 6.0) is active, thus preventing me from taking any actions. This "delay" lasts for perhaps around a minute (guess) or so (it feels much longer when waiting, like 2-3) then all the remaining processes start quickly granting me system functionality. I've watched what was going on in the background by using the Task Manager and there are anywhere from 19-21 processes running before the temporary "hang" and afterwards the number rises to 27 (or thereabouts). The last change I made to the system (before this hang began) was updating my BIOS. I can post a list (or the actual screenshot) of the processes before and after the "hang" if they might help. I was also interested if a program exists that would show me what the system was working on at any given moment, or log my startup processes as they happen.

Any ideas, suggestions, or information requests? I'm yours to command.

:thRt: Thanks :thRt:

[Amie]

Welcome to Michael's Brother (in-law)

We had a similar sort of question on our old forum, might be worth a read to see if it helps:

Slow Startup (http://www.mypcclinic.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=450&hl=slow+startup)

[Shiznit-O-Bam]

Thanks for the welcome :)

I read that previous post and unlike Jimmyrob's chronic problem mine is a new occurrence (and a most unwelcome one at that). I've also run a virus scan just to make sure it isnt some malicious code slowing me down. Scans come up negative.

[Amie]

Have you added or deleted anything recently prior to the problem starting. How about a system restore back to when everything was ok;

System Restore in XP (http://www.theeldergeek.com/system_restore.htm)

Amie :amie:

[Amie]

Me Again.

I found this:

If your system hangs about 2 or 3 minutes at startup, where you can't access the Start button or the Taskbar, it may be due to one specific service (Background Intelligent Transfer) running in the background. Here's what you do:

1. Click on Start/Run, type 'msconfig', then click 'OK'.

2. Go to the 'Services' tab, find the 'Background Intelligent Transfer' service, disable it, apply the changes & reboot.

Might be worth a try.

Amie :amie:

[Shiznit-O-Bam]

Thanks for the suggestion. :)

Unfortunately disabling the "'Background Intelligent Transfer" service didnt help.

However I have good news.

Through exhaustive testing using the process of elimination (ugh) I believe I have found the culprit. It seems my machine starts quickly (once at the desktop) whenever I disable "Workstation," within Services inside of MSConfig. No noticible change occurs when I add or remove any other service or startup item, only when "Workstation" is added or removed does it make a difference (didnt I just say that?).

I did some searching to find out what "Workstation" actually does but couldnt find anything that seemed to actually shed light on it. As of now I have disabled it and will see if any problems arise. If anyone knows what it (workstation) does I would love to hear it. Maybe this will help Jimmyrob with his problem?

On a side note I found that within the startup section of MSConfig I had a service that was "blank" or "invisible." All that shows up is the location (SOFTWARE\Micrsoft\CurrentVersion\Run). I have it disabled at the moment. Sometimes there are even 2 invisible services in there..... Any idea what it could be? If anyone thinks this deserves to be it's own topic I'll make a new one and move it there.

Once again thanks for the help y'all! :thRt: :)

[Amie]

Well according to this (see attachment) workstation is necessary;

Also see this page, which lists all XP's services, and you can click on each one for more information:

Services Guide (http://www.theeldergeek.com/s.htm)


Amie :amie:

[Shiznit-O-Bam]

How very odd....

I've got mine disabled in MSConfig services and I have net access, but I'll have to try the file and printer sharing.

Something just aint right here....

Hey the problem is gone though :lol:

I'll bet my machine bursts into flames any second.

[Amie]

Michael is right, you do have a great sense of humour. :D


Amie :amie: