Real Problem 5-1 Problems Starting Windows XP

Tim, a coworker who uses many different applications on his Windows XP system, complains to you that his system is very slow starting up and responding when he loads and unloads applications. You suspect the system is loading too many services and programs during startup that are sucking up system resources. Write down at least 10 things you should do or try, as discussed in the chapter to speed up a sluggish Windows XP installation.up processes and eliminate the unnecessary ones? If you have access to a Windows

1. The very first step I would do is question the user - what is happening, what were you doing, what was the error message. The very next step is to ask him if there are any items that need to be backed up, and if necessary get the files from going into Safe Mode! Then I would see if I can get the error to occur for me. Extract as much information from the user, including error messages. Checking Task Manager is also a main one to check right off for information!

2. The second step I would probably do is to determine if it is Software or Hardware related. If it is hardware, check the simple items, checking cables, and switches. If I think it is Software, I would try booting from the Last Known Good Configuration from the Advanced Options (F8 when Windows is loading.)

3. If I can load windows, but is it sluggish, suspect a virus! Run antivirus from the Safe Mode and run the software.

4. If the system has been changed recently, check the installation using Device Manager to disable or uninstall the device. If this solves the problem then try updated drivers for the device.

5. If you know that a new application or utility program has been installed, uninstall the software, reboot and see if the problem goes away. If it does then reinstall the software and check the manufacturers website and download any updates.

6. There is a possibility that the hard drive might be full or the file system is corrupted. Try using Disk Cleanup to clean up and delete unwanted files. Using Defrag and Chkdsk to optimize and repair the drive. If the system is slow while trying to do this - go into Safe Mode.

7. There is also a possibility of unknown software bogging down the system. Again going into Safe Mode and run the up to date antivirus and re-run it to make sure its all gone. Add or remove any unwanted software from the Control Panel will also assist. Checking all the folders that contain start up entries and move or delete any start up programs and scripts (including fonts) that might bog it down. Also using the Services Console to permanently disable any services that might be causing a problem.

8. The possibility of some of the Windows system files are missing or corrupt will interfere with your performance. Using the System File Checker utility will work or Recovery Console.

9.If I have the NTbackup I can use this to restore to the system state as well.

10. If nothing really works, try the Recovery console and do a Automated System Recovery to the last ASR back up. If this does not work, a clean install.

Obviously, the simpler the fix the better for the system!