[CYH]

Hi,

I'm having a weird issue with web browsing across all browsers on my user profile. I must wait 30 to 45 seconds after my desktop loads before being able to get any browser to load my home page. If I try before then, Firefox and IE will have a blank screen (with a "connecting" msg in the status bar) for roughly 30 before loading the page. Chrome will actually give me an error msg after roughly the same time prompting me to kill the page.

This problem was only happening under my profile and persisted even after I deleted my user, used CCleaner to clean any registry fragments, and then re-created myself. And it seems to be limited to the web browsers. I can ping immediately and even check a pop server with a small program at start up.

After a bit of testing, I've narrowed it down to the start up programs. The other profiles on this box have no programs loading at start. I have been using either Rainmeter or Rocketdock at start up. If I disable these programs, my issue disappears.

Crazy! I don't have a weak machine. Has anybody come across this problem or does anybody have any insight on a workaround? Its not a fatal problem as I can go without these start ups or simply wait a minute before hitting the web. But I'd sure love to solve it...

Thanks!

Windows Vista SP1
Intel Core2 Duo 3.0 Ghz
4 GB RAM

 

[parttimetechie]

I used to have that problem wtih IE, that is what got me into FF about five years ago and never looked back. As far as your issue, I don't use the two startup programs you mentioned, but off hand I can't think of anything they do that would delay browser startup

 

[jcgriff2]

Does the same happen in Safemode w/ Networking?

Tap F8 key repeatedly during boot-up.

 

[CYH]

Thanks for the quick response(s)

No problem during safemode. But under safemode, the programs in the startup folder aren't being loaded. I can be in regular mode with that folder empty and not have an issue.

I decided to fiddle a bit and put only a shortcut to VLC in the startup folder. No problem. Chrome w/google homepage loaded in about 1 second.

So this issue appears to be only with Rainmeter or Rocketdock auto-starting. Obviously they use a little more RAM/CPU than an idle VLC, but I figure any newish PC wouldn't have a problem with this. Maybe my machine isn't as robust as I thought...

 

[jcgriff2]

Let's look at start-up apps. Boot into regular Windows.

Run - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Save as an ARN file. Zip up & attach to next post.

 

[CYH]

Thanks for your help. That's a neat little program

I've noticed now that I have a delay (up to 10 secs) after the desktop loads before I get the little globe over my network icon indicating access to the internet. Once the globe appears, IE and Firefox open quickly and load home page. Its just Chrome that drags for the full 30+ seconds when other programs are in the startup folder.

I have a static IP, but my router is kinda crap so maybe that explains a lot of it now. The ARN looks reasonably clean, but I really appreciate the look!

 

[jcgriff2]

Are you connected via wifi or Ethernet?

Who is ISP? (cable, DSL, FIOS)

Do other systems connected o the same network have the same delayed connection problems?

 

[CYH]

This Vista box is connected directly with Ethernet to a Dlink WBR-2310 (cheap piece of crap). The ISP is cable (based out of Vancouver, Canada) and actually quite good. Almost never have a problem with speeds or downtime. Its just this weird startup hiccup.

I have a few other wireless devices (xp, ubuntu, iOS) that sometime have a bit of an issue getting a wireless connection to the Dlink, but another 8 year old Dell Latitude w/XP and constant ethernet connection that has no issues immediately loading the desktop with Rainmeter and instant internet with Chrome. That's why this much newer Core2Duo with Vista having this issue is a bit perplexing. Maybe i'm expecting too much from it!

 

[jcgriff2]

Create a system restore point -
START | type rstrui | create a restore point

Bring AutoRuns back up.

Uncheck ALL 5 items under "Logon" tab.

Uncheck ALL 5 items under "Services" tab EXCEPT for Windows Defender.

Reboot; see if same slow network connection occurs.

Are you running:

[FONT=Lucida Console][SIZE=3][B]OS[/B]: Vista SP1[/SIZE][/Font]

Vista SP2 should be installed by now - How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack

I need to know how you are connecting - wifi, Ethernet. Run this -

Bring up an elevated command prompt -
START | type cmd.exe | RIGHT-click on cmd above under Programs | select "Run as Administrator" | paste -

systeminfo >0 & start notepad 0

A Notepad will open with results.

Attach the text file to your next post.

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

`

 

[jcgriff2]

We x-posted.

Run the command in the last part of my prior post 1st.

 

[CYH]

The actual desktop start up is quite speedy. Its just the internet plus Chrome that kinda drags. Maybe its more of a Dlink and Google problem rather than Vista. Then again, the XP laptop handles this no sweat.

Yes, maybe I should try SP2. Can't hurt.

 

[jcgriff2]

Vista SP2 + all outstanding Windows Updates is a must. SP2 came out in 2008.

www.update.microsoft.com - click on "check for updates" top-left of screen.

Your Ethernet = Atheros L2 Fast Ethernet 10/100Base-T Controller

Check Device Manager for the driver name, then check for a driver update - http://www.sysnative.com/drivers/table/

Also check system manufacturer's support site.

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

`

 

[CYH]

With all the items unchecked under the 2 tabs, the internet is quicker to load by a couple of seconds but Google Chrome performance is radically better. Unfortunately, I kinda want those start up programs

I'll defiantly try SP2 and double check my ethernet driver. Thanks for all your help!!

Cheers,
CYH

 

[jcgriff2]

You don't need the start-up apps (to run at start-up). They are all Internet intensive.

When you want to use them - run them. You will find no difference in loading time.