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Vista Very Slow to Boot

onthelimit1
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Posted September 26, 2011 at 11:47AM

Dell Inspiron 1501, 2Gb RAM. After inputting the password, takes 15 - 20 mins to boot (welcome screen), then runs OK. Google not much help. Before I do a fresh install, anyone any ideas, please?

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Graphicool1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 12:05PM

Did it just start like this suddenly or has it been getting increasingly slow over a period of time?

Does the slow period start prior to reaching Windows or after?

Does it run ok once it's booted?

Does your version of Dell include the Full System Diagnostic/ If so have run it, I believe it's accessed via F12 at boot up.

I guess you've already run all the usual checks... Anti-Virus, Malware, Spyware etc.

System Restore, back before it started.

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Graphicool1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 12:17PM

I have to add, from the searches I've done, this is a recurring problem with Dell and usually leans toward a faulty HDD.

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onthelimit1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 1:36PM

Thanks for your response. I'm told it has been a progressive slow down. It initially boots at a normal speed, it's after the request for a password that it's so slow. It does run normally once fully booted. CCleaner, MBAM and defrag. Most start-up progs disabled. I'll check the diagnostics when I next get my hands on it. interesting about the HDD - it passed chkdsk OK, but I'll run the Seagate tests as well.

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Graphicool1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 5:43PM

Also, when next you get into Windows check the event log.

From what you're saying, it would seem that someone other than you is using it. How about a Defrag and Reg Clean.

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onthelimit1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 6:17PM

Yes, a mate in the pub! As I mentioned, CCleaner and defrag have been done.

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Graphicool1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 7:05PM

Yes, but CCleaner only skims the surface.

How about...

sfc /scannow

What is the OS?

For Windows 7...Click Here

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Graphicool1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 7:38PM

Sorry, I see now it's Vista, run...

sfc /scannow

From the command (cmd) prompt.

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onthelimit1

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Posted September 26, 2011 at 8:31PM

Thanks, I'll give it a try at the weekend.

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onthelimit1

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Posted October 7, 2011 at 11:23AM

scannow seems to have done the trick. Booting from cold in a shade over 2 mins. Also managed to get rid of an annoying 'battery can't be charged' message on boot by flashing the BIOS with an update.

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