slow startup

slow startup
I have dell computer with following:
Microsoft Wndows xp
home edition
Verson 2002
Intel
Pentium 4 cpu 3.00Ghz
2.99 Ghz, 2.00GB of Ram
Hard drive 149 GB
Use 35.00GB
Free 149 GB

My computer takes 5 to 7 min. to start and I do not know what to do. Can you sent me step by step instruction what should I do?

 

You provided a lot of info., but you did not show which Service Pack is installed, ie SP2, SP3.

Using the Copy/Paste method, copy the following command string and paste it into the Run command box and click OK.

Win key + R

%windir%\system32\Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks

It may take a couple of minutes to complete the process.

If you have not done these things already, go through Major Attitude's tutorial How to Make Your Computer Run Like New in 4 Easy Steps

 

your system is old we can see it, however you can try to do something about it...
1. make sure that you're virus and malware free. bt scanning your computer with avast, malwarebytes and ccleaner.
2. make that your start items are limited to your requirements. Go to msconfig and disable other unwanted applications.
3. update your device drivers and your OS.
4. scan and fix your HDD with chkdsk /f
5. defrag your drive.
hope it helps, good luck

 

This article describes how to troubleshoot configuration errors in Windows XP by using the System Configuration utility (Msconfig.exe). The System Configuration utility helps you find problems with your Windows XP configuration. It does not manage the programs that run when Windows starts.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560

For more information about disabling or permanently removing the programs that run when Windows starts, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270035

 

Those are informative articles, but IMHO that is not the easiest method and is intended for more advanced users (link #1)

Not everyone with Windows XP uses Windows Defender (link #2), and the alternate method requires editing the registry,
which can be tricky and dangerous for a novice.

I think MA's methods are easier to follow, the software is available for download at Major Geeks and those programs will remain useful in the future.

 

Agree, but thought I'd throw the option out there...

 

SERVICE PACK 3
Tried running "%windir%\system32\Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks"
Nothinng happend. I tried running 3 times but no response.

 

Hard drive 149 GB
Use 32.00GB
Free 117 GBService pack 3

 

done all 5 items mension above but still start up is 5 to 6 min.

 

Download and run HDSentinel.

http://majorgeeks.com/Hard_Disk_Sentinel_d7520.html

Let's see what condition your hardware is in, before we spend time with software issues. A 150GB drive is probably no "spring chicken".

Let us know what Sentinel reports about the condition of your drive.

 

I scan the computer but now it is asking me to buy the software to fix the problems. What should I do now.
How do I attache the report it is on my desk top. This can not be cut and paste I have to send the whole attachment. How do I dens attachment to you

 

Wasted lots of time, the link you gave me down loaded lots of un necessary softwre and scan was done but it want fix the error they want me to buy the software to fix error. What should I do?

 

What we were looking for the health and status of the hard drive that's what's relevant not purchasing the software.

What were the results healthy poor or damaged?

 

The result was poor

 

Please my friend give your report like this

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsggx2oAj...pEU/s1600/Hard+Disk+Sentinel+Professional.jpg

performance and health :cool

 

Sorry I never got the report as you have sent to me. How do I get that report?

The link "http://majorgeeks.com/Hard_Disk_Sentinel_d7520.html" does not work it runs the report and does not print out. It tells me to by software.

 

How do I get the report you are looking for. The link you sent me has lots of down loads and tried 3 of them none of them gave me the report you are looking for. Can you help?

 

I am tring to get the report you are looking for but every time I click on link it down loads all kinds of unnacecerry software which will further slow down the start up time. I got four tool bars which I do not need. It took me one hour to remove all those not needed software.

Is there any simple way you can just send me a link by clicking thet I can run the report you are looking for. Let me know how can I post that report, cut and post does not work.

NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

http://www.hdsentinel.com/

 

OK I ran the report. i have save the report on desk top using printscrin and paint..

HOW DO I POST IT HERE?????????????????????????

 

Here is the report

 

Have you run chkdsk with all of the options?

From Windows Explorer or My Computer, right click that drive and select Properties > Tools > Error Checking > Check Now and check both options.

Make sure that you run this when it will have time to complete without interruption.

If that doesn't work, you can try running it from the Recovery Console.

 

The root of your problem is this ancient hard drive. It sounds like it's the original drive that came with it out of the box. You definitely have a MAJOR hardware issue with this drive. Like it could last 6 days, or 6 weeks kind of issue.

You definitely need to replace this hard drive.

For reference, I have a Dell P4 3.0 GHz CPU PC in the den with 4GB of memory I got out of the e-waste pile (JACKPOT kind of feeling that day!), and installed a 55 GB SATAII OCZ solid state drive I got for sixty bucks at Newegg. It runs like a champ, and has a 500 GB mechanical hard drive for data, but that motherboard has a SATA port. Yours may not.

What is the exact make, and model of your PC, or do you have the Dell Service Tag for us?

 

Name of computer
Dell Diamension 8400 Series
What do you mean by SERVICE TAG, I have origional owners manual.

How do I replace H/D ?
Which H/D to buy?
Can I copy the current drive files in to new drive? or Do I have to start every thing all over and install new drive, formate it and then load all drives and all software programs. I do not want to do that because last time it took me one week to load every thing and use the computer. Can you suggest easy way out.

 

No such thing as an easy way out, but I need the Service Tag to determine what your best course of action is.

The service tag on a Dell will be on a white tag with black lettering on the back side of the tower. It will have a number/letter sequence, and what appears to be a bar code on it. It will be five to seven digits, and it will tell me exactly what your motherboard can, or cannot do.

As far as migrating your data the best thing to do would be put everything vital like music, photos, and documents on a USB thumb drive, or CD/DVDs. I would most likely make a fresh start with the new drive and fully update it. I recommend AVG Free Edition for Anti-Virus, and MalwareBytes free scanner as a "Plan B".

The other option which is a bit more advanced is to leave the old drive in the PC, install the new drive/format/install the OS, update it, and then take ownership of your folders on the old drive, then copy them to the new drive. The most important thing is to set the new drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS under the boot sequence option. This would mean re-installing all applications, however.

A third option is to leave the old drive in the PC, then install the new one, format it, and clone the old drive.

So, get that service tag and we'll work to figure the best option for your tech level.

:cool

 

To attach the report to your next reply see the thread HOW TO: Attach Items To Your Post
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=86880

Edit: Oops sorry, I missed a page but I will leave the link anyway

 

And I almost forgot it looks like you've only used about 32GB of space on your drive, leaving 117 GB free. That makes you a possible candidate for an inexpensive SATAII SSD, but ONLY if your motherboard has a SATA port on it.

After rebate, this drive is less than $40 bucks with free shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227542

If you don't need alot of storage space, this could be the way to go. If you want SPEED, this is it. That is the GOOD NEWS, by the way...

 

here is service tag
du7670
product keygbd2j-mkb67-tcxqw=yf9kd-2k8hm
barcode 00043-567-500-288
x10-60264

There is white tag in back/may be this what you want:
1rpw261

 

Ran check dsk

It took long time so I went to get a tea, When I came back computer was already re boot. How can I get the chkdsk report now.

 

Last one is always the one you want!

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/ServiceTag/1rpw261

The above link is everything Dell has to offer as far as driver/software updates including an update for the SATA controller. More good news is that your RAM is maxed out already, and it's DDR2 which is a plus.

Would you like a plain old mechanical hard drive, or an SSD (solid state)?

Saw the new post below. Don't stress that old hard drive anymore than you have to. It's "acceptable", but it probably wouldn't like to take much more of a beating. Less than 50% from HD Sentinel and it telling you there is a bit more than 60 days left on it's lifespan means take MAJOR precautions. No manner of chkdsk, or pairing of switches with it is going to save it.

 

Should I go ahead and order that SATA II 60GB ssd?
Do I have SATA Controller on my mother board?
W

 

Yes, you do have a SATA controller on your motherboard.

If you would prefer to go SSD, you would take up about 32 GB of space after cloning, and that would leave at least 20GB of empty space. Otherwise you can get a mechanical drive which has far more storage space.

It's up to you depending on how you use your computer. If 20GB of leftover storage space is plenty for you, go for it.

 

What is your suggestion? Should I go with regular h/d or SSD?

Can you send me the step by step process to back up all c:/ drive, all drivers, and all programs.
I think I have to reload all my software program, is true?

I have 32GB flash drive can I copy everything from c:/ to flash drive as my back up?

I am not that smart in installing new drive and all drivers, show me the easy a way to get the job done.

 

The "easy way" to get the job done is to install the new drive, and the old drive side by side. Then, clone the old drive to the new drive. I use Apricorn's EZGig IV software, but I'm not sure what your best bet for freeware would be. Maybe someone here could advise, but I will look into it as well.

As long as 20GB is enough storage space left for you, go with the SSD. You'll enjoy speed, performance, and lower power consumption. The one I posted below will be more than adequate, and the price is hard to beat. How much extra storage space do you think you will need, or are you fine as is? They come in sizes larger than 60GB, but the price increases a bit. What you are looking to spend is a factor too.

 

1.
Order 120GB SSD from vendor, will pick up today @ 5PM PDT
2.
I have Norton Ghost software, will this help in cloning C;/ Drive.
3.
Will need step by step instructions when I get the new drive today at 5 PM

 

O.K.

I'm around.

I'm pretty sure Norton will only install the backup image to the drive the backup was imaged from.

I looks like you can get Acronis free for 30 days as trial software.

 

Actually, go with this. It's freeware.

http://www.easeus.com/disk-copy/home-edition/


Download the file, and export the .iso file to a folder of your choice (Browse). Using a free software like ImgBurn, you will need to make a disc for the file.

After the new HDD is installed side by side with the old one, you will boot from the disc you have made.

 

What HDD did you get?

 

I got SSD 120GB
OCZ Agt3-25sat3-120g r

I just pick up the drive, no cable nothing just drive.

Can we start at step No. 1 what I should start with.

Lets do one step at a time so I do not mess up the operation.

 

OK, but I need to lay everything out, and we'll address specifics as we go along. Trust me, it works better this way and if you print this, you can take notes on the printout.

First and foremost, make sure you are static free. This means you should touch a grounded object like the metal shell of a lamp, or water pipes. Don't wear clothing like wool, which generates static. Also a non-magnetic screwdriver is a must.

The drive should have come with a mounting bracket. The first thing you will need to do is mount the new drive to it's adapter bracket.

Next unplug the computer, all peripherals and the monitor . Lay it on an open workspace and remove the cover. Open the case of the computer, and mount the drive next to the old one. You will notice with this Dell the drives should be in individual brackets, and are "piggybacked". If you have green pieces of plastic, they attach to the sides of the adapter bracket. If the drives are in the lower right corner of the case, remove both brackets, and install the SSD in the empty bracket. **You will also need a SATA cable to connect the drive to the motherboard, and also make sure to connect the power plug. Do your best to keep the wiring neat.

Once the drive is mounted and connected to port marked SATA0, and the old drive is connected to the port SATA1 install the cover and button up the PC. Connect all peripherals and the monitor, and plug it in.

If you have burned a copy of Easus to disc, or equivalent cloning software make sure the disc is in the disc drive and boot from it. If the CD/DVD drive is not the first drive in the boot order you will need to access the BIOS and change the boot order.

Once all is in order, the cloning process is next. Your new drive will be the DESTINATION drive, and the old drive will be the SOURCE drive. Once the parameters are set, instruct the software to clone the drive. Once that is accomplished, I advise opening the case again and disconnecting the old hard drive.

I know I laid everything out at once, and that is so you can ask specific questions as you move along. Again, if you print this, it will probably help alot.

:major

 

I do not have sata cable. I will need 2 sata cable for my two drives.
I will go to Frys/ radio shake and get these cable. I seems we may not be able to start till to morrow because I do not have sata cable.

The drive did not come with any bracket.

What is sata power cable, do I have to by one or two of power cable?

 

The power cable/plug will come from the power supply, and the connector will be there when you open the case.

An inexpensive set of micro screwdrivers will help alot. I have a Stanley set of six I got at K-Mart that I paid like five bucks for and I still use them on sunglasses and eyeglasses as well.

This is a nice bracket, and it's pretty cheap:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997010

You don't have enough posts yet to private message me your address, but I have two stock OCZ brackets hanging around and I would just send you one. But they don't have that pretty heat sink on them. I'm surprised this shipped without one. Doublecheck the bottom of the box just in case.

If you are getting new cables, do yourself a favor and make sure they have clips on them. It makes things far less annoying, 'cause they don't come loose and fall out.

Remember, nothing good is free, and the best things do take time.

 

Drive came in plastic see through cheap cover. I double check but nothing there . only drive and instruction sheet.

My email is "my name" @hotmail.com

You mean to say I do not have to buy SATA cable, it is already in computer.

I thought power cable comes from power supply but you need satacable to connect to mother biard. let me if I have to go to frys and get cable before I open up the computer.

 

The power plug is there on a pigtail from the power supply.

What you will need is the data cable. Get a nice one with clips on it, it's well worth it.

I will e-mail you shortly. Don't forget to check your junk inbox.

It's 10 PM E.S.T. and I'm early AM riser. Goodnight.

 

I did not wanted to format c:/ drive because last time I tried to do that it took me 10 days to load all softwares and all drivers and was not able to use my computer for that period of time.

I am not that expert in computer to get all software and load them. Some software i use may not have the origional disk with me so I want be able to load those software.

By coloning the c:/ I think I will avoid all the hassle of finding drives and other application software to reload.

 

Going to Frys electronics to get data cable.

 

Frys did no have data cable with clip lock in stock, so I order from netegg and I should get it in 2 to 4 days.

 

SATA 3 data cable has a small plug like USB port while IDE Hard drive has longer more pins connector which connects to the mother board. My question is how will i be able to connect ide hard drive to sata 1 port? Sata cable plug is small. Does IDE Hard Drive has small sata plug?

 

1.
Bootable disk is burn using Easeus software/
2.
Which software will be needed to COLON the c:/ h/d to SSD drive.