What causes slow startup? I'm using intel p4 and 256MB memory.. but still its slow during start up.system info shows that I still have 874MB free. <this figures confused me?> I performed disk optimization, but still slow. What might cause this?

Are you using Windows?
If so,

1. check your startup files for ones you can delete: Go to Start > Run, then type msconfig in the box and click OK.

Check the items on the list with the descriptions at http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php and delete the ones you don't need.

2. Run an ad and spy ware removal tool like AdAware and SpyBot

3. Defrag

I do all three once or twice a month to keep things running smoothly.

Hi,
Another post said to go to Start/Run, then type in MSCONFIG, then OK.
This is a good place to start.
In that window, click on the StartUp tab at the top right.
Look to the left, scroll down, and you will see all the programs that start running in the background when you turn on your computer (boot up).
If you see things you really don't need running in the background all the time, such as "auto updates", then Left click on that item, click on Apply, then OK, and re-boot.
If you uncheck something you need, you can always go back and re-check it.
This will cut down on the programs running in the background, that load themselves automatically when you boot up.
Another thing is temp files, junk files, and clutter on the hard drive you don't need.
Here is a link for a great, free, cleaner that really works. It's better than the windows' Disk Cleaner, etc.
http://www.ccleaner.com

Best of luck,
fredg

Did you mean Windows statup or the system itself - the black screen, post stuff etc?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chelsie_andreasm

what causes slow startup? im using intel p4 and 256MB memory..but still its slow during start up.system info shows that i still have 874MB free. <this figures confused me?> i performed disk optimization, but still slow. what might cause this?

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Hi again Chelsie,
First, again this is not a network issue. There are several categories here and it's a good idea to use a category that pertains to your questions. It just makes it easier for others to find questions of interest. This question would be better in the Operating Systems category.

That out of the way. Having 256MB of RAM is minimum for Windows XP. You will increase performance if you bump that up to 512MB or even 1GB. RAM prices are cheap these days so this is a good time to do that. The 874MB free is your hard drive space. Although measured in the units (bytes), the two are different. RAM is called memory or working memory. It is a set of computer chips in your system that holds information currently being used. Hard drive space is referred to as storage. Its represents a drive where your programs and data are stored for later retrieval when needed. Having 874MB free is very little for an XP system and could be part of your problems.

Definitely do what Rick suggested about cleaning up your system. It would also help to know how large your hard drive is and whether you have more than one partition (a D, E, F drive? ).

Hey guys! Thanks for all your help. Scott, sorry I'm just a newbie. Don't know anything about technical stuff. I'm a medical practitioner. Sorry. Thanks for helping me out. I need to read more about computer... well at least the basics. Ty for sharing your knowledge. Till next time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chelsie_andreasm

hey guys! thanks for all your help. Scott, sorry i'm just a newbie. dont know anything about technical stuff. im a medical practioner. sorry. thanks for helping me out. i need to read more about computer ... well atleast the basics. ty for sharing your knowledge. till next time.

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I realize that, that's why I'm trying to give you advice for the future. That's what most of us are here for, to share our knowledge and experience with those who are just starting.

Hi,
Sorry someone got too, too technical on you.
Hope you can find the problem, but if not, please post back.
I am sure there is a simple answer.
Best of luck,
fredg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fredg

Hi,
Sorry someone got too, too technical on you.
Hope you can find the problem, but if not, please post back.
I am sure there is a simple answer.
Best of luck,
fredg

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Fred,
As you so frequently do, you misread and misunderstood a post here. Chelsie was not saying someone got too technical, just that she wasn't technical and was thanking us for the explanations we have given her.

Hi,
By now, I hope you have solved the issue. If not, please post back.
Best of luck,
fredg