i have just downloaded windows xp service pack 2 the problem is that it now takes ages to start from switching on , should the worm in the starting sequence go from a green colour to a blue colour. i have the home edition also i tried to do a system restore last night since installing service pack 2 and it is completely different to how it use to be , should it be like that?????

can anybody help me cheers

i'm running pro, and start up is definitly more complex. sp2 is turning on alot of new "stuff". my start up, which used to be almost instant, now runs thru about 20/30 seconds of hourglass with "dings & dongs".

not sure what you mean about restore. i havent used it yet, since sp2, but the screen looks the same. were you trying to restore to before sp2? sp2 is in control panel > add/remove, if you wish to uninstall it.

thanks for your help