[f-zero]

Hi all. I seem to have a bit of a problem with my new
machine. I just had the motherboard and processor replaced
and everything seems to be OK. But I notice that bootup times
depend on what software Ive installed prior to bootup.
Heres an example. Bootup takes 2-4 seconds and remains
this way no matter how many times you restart. Then I
install Rome Total War for example. Then bootup takes 2
minutes and remains this way! Then I do a windows update.
All of a sudden the problem is fixed and boot up takes 2
seconds and remains that way despite several reboots.
Then I install something else, like Flash player for example.
Bootup takes 2 minutes and remains that way until I do
something else (like do another windows update).
The machine works perfectly once booted up like theres
nothing wrong. Does anyone know why it behaves like this?
Here are the specs:

AMD Athlon64 X2 3800
Asus A8N5X Motherboard (built in sound, ethernet)
ATI Sapphire X800 GTO Graphics Card (PCI Express)
Maxtor 300Gb SATA HDD
1Gb Ram (2 x 512Mb sticks)
Floppy drive & DVD-RW Burner
Windows XP Home With Service Pack 2
450W PSU - (I think!)

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Geekgirl]

Installing new programs that automatically set theirself to run at startup will slow down the start up process. The 2 programs you stated do not need to be running at startup. Click Start>Run and type in msconfig. Click the Startup tab and this will show you what is running at startup. Uncheck any unnecessary programs and reboot.