Windows XP hangs during startup before starting the network

Hi guys,

This is my problem:

Windows XP Pro, ADSL using DSL-302G modem, USB connection.

Boots OK and fast. After logging in loads everything that it should and is in the startup list but in the end, it sits there "thinking" for 3 minutes plus and finally starts again blinking the activity led in the PC and then completes the loading of McAfee, Zone Alarm and finally the network icon appears and the connection is completed. During this "searching for something" McAfee appears disabled and when the cycle is completed, it enables OK. From there on, all is OK.

I installed the latest drivers and firmware for the modem downloaded from the DLink site and it works fine, no problems there.

Using MSConfig, I disabled all entries from the startup first, rebooted, the same thing. Disabled all non essential services, the same, it takes a long time to start the network. In this process I tried to eliminate what would be causing the delay, no success. Modem was re-installed from the scratch, no changes.

Using the Ultimate Troubleshooting, I played with with all the disabling/enabling I could, no success.

Tried Safe Boot with Network, the same.

After 1001 reboots I decided to ask for help. If I uninstall the modem and disconnect, booting normally without network, it is fine. Ethernet connection also presents the same problem.

One more thing, if I connect a router, it works with the same delay but I have to turn the router on last, after the startup completes. Maybe it is a different issue, maybe not but the delay described above is without the router connected.

I have not tried another modem as this one appears to be OK.

Help from anyone?

Cheers!

 

Thanks Tony,

I have done that, should have mentioned it before.

I ran Lavasoft, Spybot and Zone Alarm for spyware & families. Also ran McAfee for viruses. System is clean. I also uninstalled McAfee and disabled Zone Alarm to test. The problem is still there so I assume they are not causing the problem. Put everything back and it takes 3 minutes to start the network... This one is weird...

Cheers!

 

First, leave the modem on 24/7, the expense on your electrical bill is extremely modest.

Second, make the job easier on XP. Make a decision as to whether you are going to use the USB interface, or the ethernet port with a router. Once you have decided:

Start, Run, devmgmt.msc
Expand the network adapter section.
Disable (not uninstall) any unused network adapters with a right click on each adapter found.
Do not forget any wireless adapters you also may have installed.

Third, modify XP's misnomered Fast Boot Optomization (XP Pro only):
Start, Run, gpedit.msc
Expand:
User Configuration
---Admistrative Templates
-----Logon
--------- Always wait for the network at computer startup and logon

Set to disabled.
Reboot.

The best setting for you for this issue would be to use the router. And then set a static IP address rather than let XP 'Automaticly determine settings' and 'Automaticly find DNS servers'.

The following is a guide, but is fairly typical for router settings:

Open Network Connections, right click on Local Area Network, and select Properties.
Highligh Internet Protocal -- TCP/IP and click the Properties button.
Click the Advanced button.
Click the radio option 'Use the following IP addresses'
Set your IP to a non-conflicting address outside the DHCP scope of the router. For example, if your router is set to automaticly assign address beginning in the 192.168.1.100 -- .149 range, pick a number greater than 1 and less than 100.

192.168.1.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: (the router IP) in most cases: 192.168.1.1

Next click the radio button to manually set DNS server addresses. Use the DNS proxy of the router as the address:
192.168.1.1

Save your settings
Reboot and test. Let us know how it is going after these changes.

 

Thanks Bill for your advices. I will certainly do what you suggested and will let you know. BTW, the item above "Always wait for the network... etc" does not exist so I must assume that is not interfering. Also it does not allow me to add a template or entry.

Update...

I tried the settings you suggested and the thing didn't like it. Returned everything to the original settings. Internet and wireless are working fine but that delay is still there...

Any other ideas? Maybe a priest? Or voodoo?...;-)

Thanks again!

Artur