Troubleshooting Windows XP Slow Startup Performance

Calendar August 13, 2010



How long should it take for Windows to boot up? In reality, it should only take a few minutes to start but as computers age, and more applications are installed, this time seems to increase. This article shows how to improve Windows XP slow startup times using some simple, and free, approaches.

As Windows XP is starting up it goes through an initialization process of starting services and programs. This includes crucial things like your anti-virus software and device drivers for modems.

Over time, additional applications get added to this start-up list as you install applications. Programs like Skype and update services keep getting added to this. These all add to the long boot times.

These programs can be disabled all from one central location – the startup tab of the System Configuration application. You run this application from the Start/Run menu by typing in ‘msconfig’. The tool lists off all the applications and services run at start-up.

Unfortunately, the tool is quite technical and displays the name of program files, rather than their user-friendly program name. To start disabling services it would be wise to first research what each of these program files do. The last thing you want to do is disable something important like the update service for your anti-virus software.

With a little trial and error, it can be possible to disable several services and see some real improvements in Windows XP slow startup times. Anyway, most services can be manually started after the computer is up and running.

In parallel to reducing the number of services invoked at boot time, you can also complete more general PC maintenance and repair tasks to improve the overall computer speed.  If you take the time to defragment the disk drives regularly then application file access times will improve. Likewise, running Windows update service to get the latest XP service packs and device driver updates will mean you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.

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