We install programs and visit all kinds of websites everyday. Our system files fragment themselves and we tend to forget to do a regular troubleshoot scan. With all these going on, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if you encounter a slow startup with your Windows XP. Once you notice that it takes more than five minutes for your computer to start running, there may be a problem with your computer system. A slow startup with Windows XP can be solved instantly though, and through these solutions you'll have it running again in no time.



The first thing you should consider is that you system undergoes all kinds of processes. You install all kinds of new programs, not knowing that there are actually other small applications that are installed as well. These usually come in the form of extra applications from publishers that go with your new program or toolbars and other stuff that installs itself instantly or when you forget to uncheck the radio button. This can cause a slow startup for your Windows XP, minor as the issue may sound, so you should either try to do a disk cleanup by clicking on the Disk Cleanup tool or manually browse through your program list and uninstall those that are just sitting there unused and forgotten about.

Another solution you could try is by defragmenting your file system. Files get fragmented into clusters all the time, making it difficult for your computer to scan and function well. Though it may take some time to finish, your system may start running faster than before after defragmenting it. You can also try exiting autostart programs and disconnecting unused network connections to improve your slow computer. Autostart programs are usually activated upon startup of your computer and can eat up a lot of CPU space. Try browsing through your Task Manager, look for programs that you don't need to use, and end their processes. That way, more disk space will be freed and the system can run a little faster than before. Disconnecting unused network connections with other computers can also help. Usually if your network connection is shared with one or more computers, the performance level of your computer goes down. If you don't see the need to read and write files into other people's computers, you can shut these down to get rid of a slow startup with your Windows XP.

If none of these solutions seem to work, then you may have to troubleshoot your system for a virus attack, which is one of the most significant reasons why your system is slowing down. After scanning, try restarting your computer and see how long it would take for the system to finish. This is a good way in knowing if any changes have been made. You may have to backup your files first in case you have to reformat or perform serious action with your computer. To backup your files is not overreacting; anything can happen now that new and improved viruses are spreading all over the Internet. A slow startup with Windows XP could result to a lot of difficulties, so make sure to check once in a while.