slow winxp startup?

[Optik]

Hey guys, i have a problem with my winxp startup. The machine boots fine, but once i get into windows, there seems to be a delay of about ~1 min where i physically cannot do anything. my HD intermittantly blinks for ~30 seconds and then it will load up all of the programs that ive slected in msconfig. Any tips on how i can improve the actual startup?


like, for those 1 minute after the splash screen, i cannot run any programs. the HD doesnt seem to be active and if i try to active my dsl connection, it just sort of like freezes.

this system is a barebones system, and i just got it; so there arent any spywayre/viruses on the computer

any tips?

 

[roninblade]

Defrag it

 

[eggrock]

I have the same problem (except cable & not DSL). No virii or spyware other than the normal tracking cookies I get once in awhile. Plenty of HDD space (FAT).

No special apps other than AVG antivirus, Adaware, Spybot S&D.

 

[darkpark]

in addition to defragging it check to make sure you're using DMA for HDD transfers.
check the properties of your IDE controller within device manager.