Recovery

[Tina]

Windows Xp Home Edition was already installed on my
computer at time of purchase, so I have had to seek
support from them re. performance problems, The reply I
got sounds a bit scary for a novice computer user like
me! The problem: loading personal settings takes ages -
not switching/logging off, just whoever starts using the
computer first after startup. They have told me to
perform a "recovery" to rule out the possibility of it
being a software problem, via the recovery CD. I was
under the impression that this would restore factory
settings and lose all of my work (horrendous as I use it
for my home based business and payroll program!)
Apparently it will make the machine boot up from the
disk?? I am starting to think it would be safer to live
with the problem - any ideas would be very much
appreciated, kindest regards and many thanks inadvance
for your help, Tina

 

[Steve.UK]

try opening the 'run' command from the start button and typing 'sfc
/scannow'.

this will check and replace necessary system files.

also type chkdsk /f to perform a disk check.

 

[Steve.UK]

p.s,
a recovery will delete all your info so is a last resort.

also from the run command type.. 'msconfig' and look under the 'startup'
tab.
this will show you which programs are starting with your computer. you can
safely get rid of most of these entries but research each one individually
if you're not sure what it refers to, for example,

an entry called 'office' obviously relates to MS Office. uncheck the box
next to it. you don't need it to run at start up. neither do you need any
other programs except your anti virus and firewall, and possibly anything
relating to sound and graphics devices.
get rid of stuff like real player, aol, nero. all it does is slow down your
start up.

 

[Tina]

Hi Steve, thanks for your help. I managed to run chdsk
but it says it couldn't find sfc/scannow, regards, Tina

 

[Larry]

You can try typing "sfc /scanonce" (with out quotes and notice space after
sfc) from the command prompt. This will start after your next boot, have
your xp cd ready.