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Article ID : S500011137 / Last Modified : 11/04/2018Print

What to do when the computer starts up slowly in Windows XP?

    The computer starts up slowly in Windows XP.


    ■ Confirm whether Windows Automatic Updates are stopped.

    If so, please refer to the related informations below to troubleshoot the issue.



    ■ Confirm whether the VAIO computer starts when ADSL Modem is connected to the LAN.

    If so, please refer to the related information below to troubleshoot the issue.



    ■ Check all the user names.

    If user names below are used, it will take some time to display the Desktop.

    • In Windows XP Professional: Administrator
    • In Windows XP Home Edition: Owner


    ● Click whether any CD-R Disk has been inserted.

    When a disk is inserted, Windows will slow down.
    Check whether the disk is in the drive.


    ● Check the startup items.

    Confirm whether the startup items are restored to the default setting.
    Please refer to the related information below to reset the startup items to the default setting.


    ● Check whether the hardware is upgraded.

    • Installing the drivers of the updated hardware may slow down the startup process.
      Then, please remove the drivers to verfiy the symptom.

    • Using a USB Hub may slow down the startup process too.

    ● Click whether software is installed on the VAIO computer.

    Installing of software can also slow down the startup process.
    Confirm whether the software is under the default value.
    Please contact the software provider for more details.


    ● Confirm whether the issue disappears after performing Disk Defragmenter and Disk Scan.

    • Regarding how to perform a Disk Scan to detect disk error, please refer to the related information below.

    • Regarding how to use the Disk Defragmenter Program (Disk Clean Tool), please refer to the related information below.

    ● Comfirm whether the setting of Virtual Memory has been changed.

    Set the initial and maximum values of Virtual Memory up to 1.5-2 times as the allocated memory(RAM).

    Please refer to the suggested values below when using DVgate and Click to DVD, the following values are recommended.
    Please set the values of the Virtual Memory beyond the suggested values.

    Initial Value 2048(MB)
    Maximum Value 2048(MB)

    Regarding how to change Virtual Memory settings, please refer to the related information below.


    ● Confirm whether the VAIO computer is connected to the network.

    Connecting the computer to the network will slow down the startup process.
    Please confirm if Windows starts up faster when the network is disconnected.


    ● Confirm whether the computer is started under battery power for notebook users.
    Starting the computer under battery power will slow down the startup process.
    Thus, try to start the computer under the Adapter power.


    ● Confirm whether the issue is resolved after performing a System Recovery.

    Related Links
    What to do when the starting time of Windows becomes longer after if the process of Windows automatic update is paused in Windows XP ?

    Why does VAIO notebook start slowly if it connects to ADSL modem in Windows XP?
    How to use defragmenter to cleanup hard disk in Window XP?

    How to change settings of virtual memory in Windows XP?

    What should users note when performing system recovery (data backup)?