toshiba laptop slow boot/shutdown

Dear Geeks!
A friend's Toshiba satellite (XPsp3) laptop takes 3 minutes to shutdown, and almost as long to boot up. I've got basic mechanical ability and some software application experience (although nothing to boast of at MG!) but I don't program, tweak, or benchmark without exact direction (competency not being an issue at MG!).

I'm reasonably sure this isn't a malware issue. Installed AV- Avast, ZA, Startcpl, puran boot defragged. Primarily used for email, very clean, lean system hardly used.

My suspicions about the slow boot/shutdown returns to the toshiba software installed. There are a number of very large toshiba software packages installed, appearing under the control panel.

How crucial is this toshiba software? Is it proprietary or can other software be used to replace these functions?

I've searched this issue and only find myriad issues with upgrading between windows versions on toshiba. I would never buy one now, but I try and help my friends.

Anyone know a resource for info about this software? I don't hear the word emulator much anymore. Anybody got one? Peace out!

 

Depends on what the software packages do, and whether they are running all the time, or just as needed.

 

Thanks abekl,

The software names provide slight clues to the processes they use, and perhaps I can follow that, I was more hoping for a heads-up about interdependance issues. A quick fix wouldn't hurt either, but I'll take what help I can get. Appreciate your time.