Fairly suddenly, our computer is significantly slower to boot up. We haven't
installed any new software recently, and no viruses found (DATs are up to
date). I know this is a pretty vague problem, but any ideas on what might
cause this?

"grannash" wrote
> Fairly suddenly, our computer is significantly slower to boot up. We
> haven't
> installed any new software recently, and no viruses found (DATs are up to
> date). I know this is a pretty vague problem, but any ideas on what might
> cause this?

How do you know the system is clean of malware? What AV program do you use?
Besides checking for viruses do you also scan for non viral malware using a
combination of programs run in safe mode?

Here are some links for dealing with malware of all types.

Malware Removal
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

THE PARASITE FIGHT
Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Richard Harper’s Guide to Cleaning Pests
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm

You mention DAT files. Is the AV McAfee? If so I suggest you look to some
other AV program. Avoid McAfee, Norton, or any of the large security
suites. They are resource heavy and can, sooner or later, be problematic.
For AV there is Avast (free and my choice), AVG (free), Kaspersky (paid, but
considered to be the best), and NOD32 (paid but excellent).

For non viral malware there is a variety of free programs that work well.
You need more than one of these, no one program gets it all. Ad-aware SE
(new version coming out in June), SpyBot S&D, Spyware Blaster, AVG anti
spyware (formerly Ewido).

Once you know the system is clean, if the problem still persists do some
clean boot troubleshooting.

Clean Boot Troubleshooting

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=316434

How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

On 5/15/2007 1:12 PM On a whim, grannash pounded out on the keyboard

> Fairly suddenly, our computer is significantly slower to boot up. We haven't
> installed any new software recently, and no viruses found (DATs are up to
> date). I know this is a pretty vague problem, but any ideas on what might
> cause this?

Hi Grannash,

Hard drive errors causing the controller to use PIO mode instead of DMA
are a possibility. Have you tested the disk? In My Computer, right
click on the OS drive and select Properties, Tools tab, Error-checking
Check now button. Check both options and click the Start button. Windows
should tell you it will be done on restart. Restart and let it check
the drive.

Have you tested for spyware/malware/adware? Use at least two, Spybot &
Ad-Aware are good free ones. AVG Anti-spyware is another.

Report back,

--
Terry

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Terry wrote:
> On 5/15/2007 1:12 PM On a whim, grannash pounded out on the keyboard
>
>> Fairly suddenly, our computer is significantly slower to boot up. We
>> haven't installed any new software recently, and no viruses found
>> (DATs are up to date). I know this is a pretty vague problem, but
>> any ideas on what might cause this?
>
> Hi Grannash,
>
> Hard drive errors causing the controller to use PIO mode instead of
> DMA are a possibility. Have you tested the disk? In My Computer,
> right click on the OS drive and select Properties, Tools tab,
> Error-checking Check now button. Check both options and click the
> Start button. Windows should tell you it will be done on restart. Restart
> and let it check the drive.
>
> Have you tested for spyware/malware/adware? Use at least two, Spybot
> & Ad-Aware are good free ones. AVG Anti-spyware is another.
>
> Report back,

Or, run chkdsk /f from the Command Prompt. Same thing.

Pop`

Thanks for all the replies and sorry for the late one on my part. Thought
I'd asked to be notified of replies by email but something must have gone
awry there....

We have AdAware but will try another program too, as well as testing the
hard drive.

Grannash

"Poprivet" wrote:

> Terry wrote:
> > On 5/15/2007 1:12 PM On a whim, grannash pounded out on the keyboard
> >
> >> Fairly suddenly, our computer is significantly slower to boot up. We
> >> haven't installed any new software recently, and no viruses found
> >> (DATs are up to date). I know this is a pretty vague problem, but
> >> any ideas on what might cause this?
> >
> > Hi Grannash,
> >
> > Hard drive errors causing the controller to use PIO mode instead of
> > DMA are a possibility. Have you tested the disk? In My Computer,
> > right click on the OS drive and select Properties, Tools tab,
> > Error-checking Check now button. Check both options and click the
> > Start button. Windows should tell you it will be done on restart. Restart
> > and let it check the drive.
> >
> > Have you tested for spyware/malware/adware? Use at least two, Spybot
> > & Ad-Aware are good free ones. AVG Anti-spyware is another.
> >
> > Report back,
>
> Or, run chkdsk /f from the Command Prompt. Same thing.
>
> Pop`
>
>
>