Reduce Windows XP Startup Time!

Windows (XP) startup performance depends up on various issues like system configuration, settings of software installed in the computer and hardware status of the computer. To improve Windows XP startup performances following instruction would be helpful.


1. Thin Startup Section

MSCONFIG

Write msconfig on Run wizard & press enter System Configuration Utility will appear.

UNCHECKING STARTUP PROGRAM

 From the Startup tab uncheck all programs without antivirus. This tip may help a great for some one to reduce startup time who has installed a number of heavy programs in the system and those programs are running as a startup service.


Note: Unchecking the program from startup section will not effect on normal use.


2. Clean Out Viruses

Running an antivirus with automatic updates will try to keep your system secure. Most of the cases viruses make slow down computer & windows return unusual behavior. If you have not installed an antivirus in your system please install & make a scan. To get a free antivirus please visit oneof the following link.

=> Download Avast.
=> Download Avira
=> Download AVG Free


3. Perform a Scan Disk

CHKDSK

chkdsk %systemdrive% /f
On command prompt type the above command & press enter. This will keep your Computer system drive in Healthy Condition and it helps Computer run faster. This will lead to reduce startup time.


4. Remove Unnecessary Software

From Control Panel > Add/Remove Software section uninstall unused software like toolbars, file-sharing programs, free email enhancers, online shopping "companions" and download managers that were automatically installed when you downloaded some other packages for your system.


5. Edit Network Service

To reduce startup wait time to get windows usable/stable faster after booting up Windows XP we need to look on some network services specially for those computers which are not acting as a server(Printer Sharing, File Sharing). After booting up the Computer Windows XP’s Networking Services are looking for other computers and advertising their functions over the network. This is a reason behind time delay to start program immediately/normally after boot up computer. The following tips will be useful to reduce /eliminate the problem.

[] When Computer is not connected with LAN
Disable the Workstation service.
To disable Workstation service follows the instruction.
Right click on ‘My computer’ and select ‘Manage.’

DISABLEING WORKSTATION SERVICE

Expand ’Services and Applications’ and select ’Services’ to open the services window. Highlight the ‘Workstation’ service, right click and select ‘Properties.’ Set the ’Startup type’ from drop down box to ‘disabled.’ Click ‘Ok.’

Note: You will need to re-enable the Workstation service when the Computer will be connected with network in future.


[] When the Computer is connected with LAN
Disable ‘File and Print Sharing’ options unless the computer is a ‘File and Print Sharing’ server.
To do that go to ’Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections. ’ Right click on ‘Local Area Connection’ and select ‘Properties.’ Uncheck the ‘File and Print Sharing’ box and press ‘Ok.’

Note: This will disable the Files & Printer share ability on the local computer but it will not effect to access files & printers that is shared over network.



7. RAM & Virtual Memory Settings

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

While the computer runs out of Physical Memory (RAM) then Windows will check on hard disk to create virtual memory. This is a nice feature, because it allows application programs to access sufficient amounts of memory though Virtual Memory is little slower than RAM. So installing optimum RAM according to the system board accommodation is a good idea to boost the overall system performance than anything else.

CUSTOMIZATION OF VIRTUAL MEMORY

For Virtual Memory, it can be customized from Control Panel > System > Advanced, then press the Settings button under Performance. Click Advanced again, and then press the Change button under Virtual Memory. Set the new entered custom size to get effect.

Completing all these process reboot the computer. The Windows XP startup time should be improved from earlier.