very long boot times, any suggestions?

Check your bios for;
Fast Bootup enabled (check memory once as opposed to three times)
No floppy seek on boot
L1 & L2 Cache set properly or set to Auto
Hard disk parameters "hard set" as opposed to Auto

Programs run on startup. Start, Run, msconfig, Advanced tab;
Disable non-essential items. All you should have running are ScanRegistry, any video driver assists (NOT Launchpads etc), firewall, anti virus, and LoadPowerProfile (x2 entries) IF you use power management. The SysTray is handy but not essential.

Check the Startup folder as well for non-essential items. (Start, Programs, Startup.)

How do I check my bios?

When you first boot the system there should be a line on the screen that states;

Press Del to enter Setup

or similar. It could be F1, F2, F10, ESC etc. It depends on the machine and the bios it's using. Once you're in, use the arrow keys, Enter, Page Up, Page Down, and ESC keys to navigate and make changes. (The keys should be listed near the bottom of the screen.) If you're changing anything, write down the existing setting before you change it. If you're unsure of any settings, don't change it.

Once all changes have been made, use the Exit Saving Changes option. On some bios' you may have to enter a Y to confirm on exit.

Post back with any questions. If you have any, please indicate what bios you have, ie; Award, AMI, Phoenix, etc. If you don't know what bios, indicate your machine brand type if any. Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc.

Thanks, seems a little faster.
I posted a Hijack This log under that forum.
Thanks,
sylviar