Fix Windows XP Startup

Do you start your computer and then go out for lunch? Maybe…just maybe by the time you get back your computer will be fully booted.

Does this sound familiar?

If you want your computer to boot like the day you turned it on for the first time (or even better) just continue reading…

Computers with Windows XP startup slow because of 2 major reasons.

1. Your Windows XP computer has too many programs set to start when the computer boots. This is the #1 reason for a Windows XP Slow Startup.
2. Windows XP needs at least 512 MegaBytes of RAM to startup quickly.

Both of these reasons for a Windows XP slow startup can be fixed by you with having to hire someone to do it for ya.
Too Many Items In Your Startup

Having too many programs set to startup when Windows XP boots is the #1 reason for a slow Windows XP boot (and for your computer being slow after it boots).

Luckily you can fix this issue with a free little program already on your computer…it’s called MSCONFIG.

You can load MSCONFIG by following these steps below:

1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. Type MSCONFIG and click OK
4. MSCONFIG is now open
5. Click the Startup tab

On the startup tab you can see every item that is set to startup when your computer boots (every item WITH a checkmark will try to load when your computer starts)!

Now it’s time to speed this computer up. Uncheck any items that aren’t critical to you. If you’re not sure what to uncheck then just uncheck everything except your antivirus software.

Click Apply.

Click Ok.

Click Restart.

Big difference huh! Oh, I almost forgot, you’ll also be presented with a little window. Just click the checkbox and click OK.

OK, that’s it. Your Windows XP startup has been drastically improved.

Do You Have Enough RAM?

Windows XP requires at least 512 MegaBytes of RAM (Memory) to startup quickly.

Here is how to find out how much RAM you have:

1. Right Click “My Computer”
2. Click Properties
3. On the General Tab look near the bottom. The second to last line tell’s you how much RAM your computer has.
4. Make sure you have at least 512 MegaBytes of RAM. If you don’t then the following steps will show you how to order the right RAM for your computer

How To Find The Right RAM For Your Computer

Finding the right RAM for your computer used to be a daunting process, however thanks to Crucial.com’s Memory Advisor you can find exactly the right type of RAM for your PC (and usually wholesale costs too).

Please use the following steps below to select the proper RAM upgrade for your computer:

1. Go to Crucial.com (link opens a new window).
2. Using the Crucial Memory Advisor click the drop down and select the manufacturer of your computer (like HP, Dell, Apple)
3. Click the go button.
4. Now select the product line.
5. Click Find It.
6. Now select the model.
7. Click Find It.
8. Now you will be presented with the right kind RAM for your computer. Select at least 512 MegaBytes and add it to your cart. If 512 MegaBytes is not an option just add 1 GB instead (which is 1000 MegaBytes).
9. Complete Your Order.

Before you install your new RAM make sure you shutdown your computer and unplug it. If you’re not sure how to install RAM you can watch dozens of YouTube video tutorials on installing RAM.