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Ask the Doctor

Startup Takes Forever

Posted 09/09/09 at 08:00:14 PM  by The Maximum PC Staff

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Ask the Doctor LogoI have 32-bit Vista installed on my system and have had it since it was released back in ’07. Each day when I start up, I sit and watch the cursor spin and watch the task bar fill. Every time I think it’s ready to go, it loads more programs. Is there some sort of graphical bar or gauge that can be loaded onto the desktop at logon that will show all of my background services loading, so I can tell at a glance whether my computer is actually ready to go? Windows 7 beta still offers NO progress bar/gauge to indicate when all background services are finished loading. I have used Sabayon Linux in the past and it did have a progress bar before the desktop had even appeared. This has really been a pain in my “mouse click,” so if you can help with this I would really appreciate it.

—Ray S.

Ray, we haven’t found anything that will show your startup services’ progress. However, if your computer really takes that long to be usable when you log in to Vista, there are a few easy steps you can consider. First, hit Windows+R and type msconfig. Go through your startup programs and disable any you don’t need. Google the process names if you’re not sure what they do.

 
Computer chugging when you first boot? Disable startup apps so you can get working faster.

Once you’ve trimmed down that list, install r2 Studios Startup Delayer (http://www.r2.com.au/software.php?page=2&show=startdelay). That will let you stagger your startup programs so they don’t all try to load at once, which will let you start using your computer sooner.

Readers, know of any program like the one Ray describes? Write in and tell us about it!

 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION Are flames shooting out of the back of your rig? First, grab a fire extinguisher and douse the flames. Once the pyrotechnic display has fizzled, email the doctor at doctor@maximumpc.com for advice on how to solve your technological woes.

 

COMMENTS:6
TAGS: vista, 32-bit, ask the doctor, startup
COMMENTS
avatarCheck your drivers, esp. graphics...

Submitted by JohnP on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 6:30pm

 I have had this problem with both Vista and Win7. Both times it was a GRAPHICS DRIVER issue. Undating OR backdating my GRAPHICS driver fixed the problem. It could also be a sound driver or other driver. Remember that OVER HALF of all problems with the initial release of Vista were graphics drivers causing problems. If that does not fix it, check your NETWORK connections and delete any that are not online.

Do not be so quick to think that startup apps are always the cause. Anything that gets loaded in on boot can cause a boot slowdown if it is not working right.

 

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avatarr2

Submitted by savage4naves on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 6:25am

r2 Studios Startup Delayer has an optional graphical interface to let you know when the programs have all been started

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avatarI like WinPatrol myself. 

Submitted by orca11 on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 5:42am

I like WinPatrol myself.  It has a free and paid version, and not only allows you to view, disable, or delay startup applicaions, but it also monitors new startup applications, browser plugins, registry services, and internet settings (like your hosts file) and alerts you if something was changed.  If you don't want something changed, click the no box and WinPatrol reverses the mod.  It keeps a cache of your settings and checks every 5 minutes or so, so sometimes you see an alert a bit after the fact.

Scotty is on patrol (and just plain awesome).  I'll disable my on-access scan in my anti-virus when playing certain bulky games, but WinPatrol is ligh-weight enough that I leave it on all the time... I trust Scotty with my machine's life.

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avatarI posted the same thing in

Submitted by Gigabyte on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 8:51pm

I posted the same thing in the feedback thread on 09 Aug.

Sounds like Ray has to many startup apps, plain and simple. As for the app he is looking for... sometimes we miss the obvious. Adding more bloatware should be avoided, especially since that's probably what created the problem. Windows Task Manager's Processes tab can normally identify the culprit, sort by CPU & Mem usage. The Performance tab is nice too.

Windows 7 has several tools. I don't care much for the article but it identifies some  useful tools in 7.

 http://www.nirmaltv.com/2009/07/29/5-ways-to-monitor-and-improve-windows-7-performance/

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avatarhe can hibernate instead

Submitted by Yusonice on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 7:10pm

he can hibernate instead

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avatarIts all that windows defender is good for!

Submitted by MyWayNYC on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 4:43pm

You can enable windows Defender and Poke around in the options Menu looking for the startup programs manager, it will show you a list of startup programs with Job Descriptions that you can Disable!  Its actually all that windows defender is good @...Turn it backoff when ur done.

 AKA T'Challa Of Wakanada

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