How to Fix a Slow XP Boot

Speed up Windows XP to stop annoyingly slow boot times.

As Windows XP systems get older, they tend to slow down. When you install software and accumulate new photo, music and other files on your computer, you can end up doubling or tripling the time it takes your computer to boot. If you have an older installation of Windows XP that is taking longer to boot than it used to, you can fix a slow boot time for the system.

Instructions

Adjust BIOS Settings

1. Shut down the computer. Turn the computer back on and wait for the initial text-based boot screen to appear. Look at the screen and find the instructions for how to load the BIOS setup; this may be done by pressing the "Delete" key, the "F1" key or another key depending on the specific computer.

2. Locate the "Boot" menu in the BIOS screen. Navigate to it using the arrow keys. Find the option named "Quick Boot" or "Memory Check." Pick it by pressing "Enter." Choose to enable the "Quick Boot" feature or to disable the "Memory Check" feature depending on how the option is listed in your BIOS.

3. Return to the main Boot menu using the "Esc" key. Find an option labeled "Boot Sequence" and select it with the "Enter" key. Navigate to "First Device" using your arrow keys. Cycle through the list until it reads "Hard Drive." Press "Enter."

4. Press "Esc" as many times as necessary to return to your main BIOS menu. Press "Esc" once more to exit the BIOS. Choose to save your changes.

Adjust Windows XP System Configuration

1. Click on "Start" and choose "Run." Type the command "msconfig" and press "Enter."

2. Choose the "Startup" tab. Uncheck the box next to any program set to run at startup that you do not need.

3. Select the "Services" tab. Check the tab at the bottom of the screen that reads "Hide all Microsoft Services." Deselect the box next to any Windows services that you do not use that are set to run at startup.

4. Close the System Configuration Utility and reboot the computer for changes to take effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Upgrading your hardware can also increase the loading speed of your Windows XP system.

• Always be careful working in the system BIOS and only do so if you are comfortable making changes to the system startup configuration.

References

• PC Hell: How to Speed Up Windows Boot Time
• Extreme Tech: Hacking Windows XP: Speed Up Your Boot