Windows XP slow to display desktop

Hi guys,

I am having problems booting into windows XP. It gets past the login stage, loads my wallpaper, but no start menu or desktop. It then stays there for a min or two, before eventually loading everything. Is there any way of finding out why it takes so long (has a file gone missing and windows is searching for it?)?. Any tips on how to resolve this would be appreciated. It certainly didn't used to hang like this.

Cheers,

Sam

 

Made any hardware or software changes recently & it started becoming slow just after, or has it gradually gotten slower?

Could be alot of programmes running in the background at startup- download CCleaner and use the handy tool to disable things from running automatically- just leave the essentials. Might be time to backup your files and do a clean install, or it could be a sign the harddrive is on the way out ( slow loading times in general ).

As a rule, if you're the only user I dont tend to have the login screen/ seperate user accounts, not really required unless its a shared PC/ have a large stash of porn you need to hide from parents etc..

Whats your full system spec?

 

type msconfig in the run bar.. uncheck everything in the startup tab and restart

if that fixed it.. re-enable them 1-2 at a time, restart until you figure out which app is causing it

 

Do a malware scan too.

 

Cheers for the info guys, I'll try these things tonight and let you know how I get on.

 

OK, well that didn't work. Disabling all and restarting made no difference. Haven't had a chance to try anything else yet.

@SuicideNeil: As far as hardware changes, none. The only real thing that I can think of is that I have started using the AMD fusion utility (although I have no idea whether it makes any difference performance wise). When I come out of "gaming mode" it does seem to enable a load of extra stuff that wasn't on before, such as firmware scanning for my DVD drive. I don't think my HDD is on the way out (touch wood). I think a reinstall of windows is on the cards, it has the added advantage of getting rid of a lot of junk that I have. Cheers for the info on CCleaner, I might end up using it if I don't get around to a fresh install.