Start Up Slow

I am now having problems with the start up on my system. I am using Windows XP Pro on a 320MB RAM, PIII, 448MHz computer by Gateway. When it starts up, the computer is so slow, and the NumLock light on the keyboard flashes. I am under the PhoenixBIOS 1.0 on this computer. This is becoming frustrating. Also, if you have tips on making Windows XP Pro start faster, I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Bill

 

slow bootup

Gateway, Dell & other major retail brands, tend to overload the puter with so much "deadwood" it's pitiful How many items are in your Tray (by the clk)? First delete all those .tmp files in C:\windows\temp folder. No delete those files in the Prefetch folder. Now delete those temporary inernet files! Now run msconfig & select the Startup tab. See if any doubles are checked & uncheck those items that are just not ness to have in the tray, reboot.

 

You may find it interesting reading and trying what Microsoft suggest though I have not tried it myself.

They say "The paging file (Pagefile.sys) is a hidden file on your computer's hard disk that Windows XP uses as if it were random access memory (RAM). The paging file and physical memory comprise virtual memory. By default, Windows stores the paging file on the boot partition (the partition that contains the operating system and its support files). The default, or recommended, paging file size is equal to 1.5 times the total amount of RAM. This article discusses how you can configure the paging file for system optimization and recovery.

To enhance performance, move the paging file to a different partition. When the paging file is on the boot partition, Windows must perform disk reading and writing requests on both the system folder and the paging file. When the paging file is moved to a different partition, there is less competition between reading and writing requests."

Read this article "How to Configure Paging Files for Optimization and Recovery in Windows XP (Q314482) ":
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314482

Humbug

 

Thanks for all the help!
I cleaned up the computers mess, deleted what needed to be deleted, and now this machine starts fast! I am thinking of upgrading the HD from 12.6 GB to at least 120GB. But, I would not trade WinXP for anything. Thanks for the help!