Help! My PC takes a long time to start up or reboot
Over time, you might notice your computer taking longer to boot up or restart. Sometimes, this is to be expected—for example, if you’ve installed antivirus software, your computer might be taking longer because the security settings are starting up.
There are times, though, when an unusually long boot time can be an indication of a problem; there might be a problem with a driver or a registry. We’ll explore a few of the most common solutions to remedy this problem.
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See if your PC starts faster in safe mode
Safe mode is a Windows starting mode that bypasses the usual startup files and loads only the most basic drivers. You only have access to basic functions, like mouse, monitor, keyboard, and default system services. Usually there are no network connections. Starting a computer in safe mode allows you to correct certain kinds of problems with your system (for example, if the system isn’t booting up normally).
To start your computer in safe mode:
1.Click Start, then click Shut Down.
2.Click Restart, then click OK.
3.As your computer restarts but before Windows launches, press F8. On a computer that is configured for booting to multiple operating systems, you can press F8 when the boot menu appears.
4.Select Safe Mode, then press ENTER.
If Windows starts up again before you can get into safe mode, restart your computer and try again.
If your computer starts up measurably faster in safe mode, then it’s a good bet that the problem is related to either the operating system or some installed software, rather than the PC hardware itself. In that case, you can try either or both of the following troubleshooting options to resolve the problem.
Uninstall any new applications that might be slowing down your PC
If you know that your startup and reboot problems began after you installed new software, you can try uninstalling the software to see if the computer returns to normal.
To completely remove the files installed by a program, you must use the Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel, or you can use the program's own uninstaller if one exists.
To remove a program or service from your computer:
1.Click Start, then click Control Panel.
2.Click Add or Remove Programs. Find and select the program or service you want to remove in the list of currently installed programs.
3.Click Change/Remove, and then follow the instructions for uninstalling the program.
4.You will be prompted to restart your computer to complete the removal process.
To avoid conflicts that might degrade your computer’s speed or performance, always make sure that your computer meets a program’s minimum system requirements before you install that program.
Use System Restore to roll your system back to a good state
System Restore, a feature available in Windows XP and Windows ME, monitors changes to your PC and automatically creates restore points. If a problem occurs, you can use System Restore to roll back your computer to a previous state (one in which you know everything was working fine) without losing your personal data files, such as Microsoft Word documents, Internet Explorer Favorites, or e-mail.
System Restore creates restore points daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time.
The System Restore Wizard guides you through the steps of each task in System Restore. To access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Here’s a brief look at what to expect when you run the wizard:
This screen gives you the option to restore your computer to an earlier time or state.
This screen allows you to pick a date on the calendar and then select a restore point to restore your computer to an earlier state.
This screen lets you change your mind about the selected restore point (or the whole restoration), and it allows you to save all files and close all programs before starting the restoration. After you confirm your selection, the system restoration process starts. Your system will restart and you will have to log on again.
This screen indicates that your restoration has been successful. If the restoration fails, you will see a Restoration was unsuccessful screen instead, and no changes will have been made to your computer.
If you make a mistake, and do a System Restore that deletes a file you wanted, you can recover by undoing the System Restore. After you use System Restore, you'll have an additional task, Undo my last restoration, on the System Restore Welcome page. You can select it and your deleted files will be returned.
