I have noticed lately that my computer seems to take an excessively long time to boot up completely - almost 5 minutes. Also when clicking on desktop icons, they seem to also take much longer to load. Windows Explorer (the folder and file management tool) and My Computer are agonizingly slow to rename and open folders and files. I have done all the usual things like running a virus and spyware scans (I have AdAware, Spybot, Malwarebytes and ATFCleaner, CCleaner as well as my ISP's Computer Associates Antivirus, Firewall and Spyware protection installed), emptying temp files and recycle bin and defraging the hard drive and I've unchecked "Automatically search for Network folders and printers". I also did a chkdsk scan and a system restore to before when the problem started. Nothing seems to help the slow response, especially when working with folders and files through Windows Explorer. I have not downloaded or installed any programs recently (only AdAware, Spybot and CA updates), but I did have a new power supply and a new cable modem installed recently. Even the tech that installed the new power supply said he was concerned at how long it took for my computer to boot up, however he only repairs hardware and could offer no suggestions as to what the problem is. If it's any help in diagnosing my problem, my system is an HP Pavilion 750n with a 1.6 GHz Pentium 4 processor and 768 MB RAM. Used disk space is 16.8 GB, unused space is 57.6 GB. Physical memory while running is: Total - 78,000±, Available - 42,000±, System Cache - 43,000±. Processes running - 38. Startup Selection is "Selective Startup" with checks in the boxes for Process SYSTEM.INI File, Process WIN.INI File, Load System Services and Use Original BOOT.INI. The box next to "Load Startup Items" is solid green in the box (no check). I have 5 icons in the Systray Box - AdAware, CA Security Center, QuickTime, Volume, and Safely Remove Hardware. These items are checked in the Startup menu: cctray, QOELoader, CAVRID, cafw, capfasem, capfupgrade, QTTask, realsched, AAWTray, Reader_sl and there's one box with a check in it that's on a blank line. Once I open any programs or an Internet browser, they seems to work normally - I do not notice any lagging while browsing. Any suggestions as to what the problem could be and any fixes would be much appreciated. Assume that I am not too computer savvy. HijackThis scan available also, if it would help, or any other info you need to know Thanks in advance.

We can advise on how to possibly reduce your start up times but first could you tell us : -
When you once PC as started and ready to use (the almost 5 minutes past), Press control/Alt/Delete to enter task manager.
In that window select the process tab now press the CPU button next to Mem Usage.
This will organise the process list to show which items are using your processor.
Normally its the System Idle Process using 98% - 99%
Depending on your system some process may use the processor briefly but until you start
an application the System Idle Process should be using the significant (usually the above amount) amount of CPU.
could you tell us if there is any other items constantly using the processor before you start an application?

Could you tell me if CA updates refers to
CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2010.

I ask because of this review CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2010 - Full Review - Reviews by PC Magazine

I'm not saying that this is the cause of your problem.
I'm just looking into possibilities from the information you gave me.

Jim

All I can tell you about the Computer Associates Security Suite I have installed is version 3.2.1.19 and it the same one I've had since June 2008. As for the Task Manager, it showing 98% most of the time. I watched it for a while and sometimes AAWService.exe goes up to about 30% and the UMXPol.exe also sometimes goes up to around 15%.

I'm not sure if CA is the problem but their forum site advises reports of : -
My Computer) running very slowly after a recent (~Sept 20, 2009) product update of CA Anti-Virus

see here: "Windows Explorer Slow" problem w/ CA Anti-Virus from ISPs - CA Home and Home Office Forum

I also see one of the processes running is UMXPol.exe

Uniblue ProcessLibary.Com see here: umxpol.exe - What is umxpol.exe?

Advises that umxpol.exe is a eTrust FW Policy Manager Service\r from Computer Associates International, Inc.\r belonging to eTrust Firewall\r

So do you have another firewall running as well as the one in Computer Associates Security Suite

I would think your problem is RAM (Random Access Memory) You have very little of it, I am wondering how you are running your OS? What is it by the way?

So we can have a good look at your system configuration, please go to PCPitstop and follow the steps to post your log here for review.

Keep us informed,

kind regards,

The computer I'm using now I purchased as a refurb in June 2008 because my ISP (as well as other software products like AdAware) informed me that they were going to stop support of their services for any OS earlier than XP. Unfortunate, since I really liked Windows 98 and I would still be using that if so many software programs stopped supporting it. The new system was already 5 years old then. I had the shop upgrade the RAM from the original 512 MB to 768 and it worked fine until about a month ago when I started developing a power supply problem - the fan sounded like it was constantly speeding up and then slowing down - like a revving car engine. That when I had the shop install a new power supply. After that I noticed a degradation in my performance - coincidence or not.

I was still looking for a remedy on the Internet - most gave advice about defragging, running virus and malware scans, emptying temp files and the recycle bin and deleting unused programs - all of which I did without seeing any improvement. Yesterday I came across a page that said to copy the explorer exe file, rename it, then put that new name in the registry shell. I followed the instructions and it did help speed up file manipulations through Windows Explorer. It also recommended a program called FixO which I didn't download or use since I am not familiar with it (is anyone else here?). Now I'd like to know why this procedure worked and what may have happened to my system to cause the slowdown.

However, it is still taking a significantly long time to boot up. How can I determine which software that is loading is causing this - I suspect either the CA Security Suite or AdAware since they are the only two software icons in the taskbar.

Thanks to all who responded to my OP.

To best way to check what's causing the slow start is to use msconfig.
This is a slow process but should find the cause of your slow start.

Go to Start and select run in that box type msconfig

A good guide to how check startup items is to be found here.
How to use MSCONFIG in Windows XP: NetSquirrel.com

hope that helps

Jim

dude,

I think u should fully optimize ur PC...as may be registries also responsible..which slow down ur PC as they takes a big space in background...there is this one application named Advanced System Optimizer..which can definitely help u in optimizing PC..as has loads of features.. like..
Registry Cleaner
Registry Optimizer
Disk Tool
Disk Optimizer
System Cleaner
System Protector
Driver Updater..
i m also using it for regular maintenance for my laptop.. it a best tuneup tool i used so far..! i haven't face any prob..after using this application..!!
It increases my PC performance effectively..booting time reduces from 5 to 2-3 min.!!
U can download it 4m Cnet site.

Roy, the post you replied to is a year old. Doubtful anyone cares any more.