How to Reduce the Bootup Time in Windows XP SP2

The boot-up time on a Windows XP SP2-based computer can be reduced by a considerable extent. Windows XP is pre-configured to load many programs and utilities during the start-up procedure. You can disable the unnecessary start-up items, services and devices to decrease the boot-up time. Boot-up time can also be decreased by enabling quick booting from BIOS, by decreasing the timeout on the operating system selection menu and by deleting unnecessary fonts.

Instructions

Enable Quick Booting from BIOS

1. Restart your computer and the press the "Delete" key on your keyboard immediately during the system start-up procedure, until you see the BIOS menu appear.

2. Click on the "Advanced Setup" option on the BIOS menu.

3. Enable the "Quick Boot" option. For additional help on how to enable Quick Boot, refer to your motherboard's user's guide.

Disable Unnecessary Start-up Programs and Services, Decrease the Timeout on the Operating System Selection Menu, and Disable the Start-up Logo

1. Click on "Start" and then click on "Run."

2. Type "msconfig" in the run dialog box and then click on "OK."

3. Click on the "Startup" tab and then click to disable the start-up programs that you do not require. Do the same procedure after clicking on the "Services" tab.

4. Click on the "BOOT.INI" tab, then click on the "Timeout" box and then type a lower value (such as 10, for example).

5. Click to select the "NOGUIBOOT" check box.

6. Click on the "Apply" button and then click on "OK."

Disable Unneeded Devices

1. Click on "Start" and then click on "Control Panel."

2. Double-click on the "System" icon in the control panel.

3. Click on the "Hardware" tab in the System Properties dialog box, and then click on the "Device Manager" button.

4. Click on the "+" sign next to the device category that you want expanded in the Device Manager window.

5. Right-click on the device you want to disable, and then click on "Disable." Do the same for other unused devices.

Delete Unnecessary Fonts

1. Click on "Start" and then click on "Control Panel."

2. Double-click on the "Fonts" icon in the control panel.

3. Right-click the font that you do not need and then click on "Delete." Do the same for other unnecessary fonts.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not make any indiscriminate changes in the system BIOS. Windows XP will not start up with incorrect BIOS settings.

References

• "Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, Second Edition;" Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson; 2004

Resources

• Microsoft.com: Fast System Startup for PCs Running Windows XP