Fairly suddenly, our computer is significantly slower to boot up. We
haven't
installed any new software recently, and no viruses found (DATs are up to
date). I know this is a pretty vague problem, but any ideas on what might
cause this?
How do you know the system is clean of malware? What AV program do you use?
Besides checking for viruses do you also scan for non viral malware using a
combination of programs run in safe mode?
Here are some links for dealing with malware of all types.
Malware Removal
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
THE PARASITE FIGHT
Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Richard Harper’s Guide to Cleaning Pests
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm
You mention DAT files. Is the AV McAfee? If so I suggest you look to some
other AV program. Avoid McAfee, Norton, or any of the large security
suites. They are resource heavy and can, sooner or later, be problematic.
For AV there is Avast (free and my choice), AVG (free), Kaspersky (paid, but
considered to be the best), and NOD32 (paid but excellent).
For non viral malware there is a variety of free programs that work well.
You need more than one of these, no one program gets it all. Ad-aware SE
(new version coming out in June), SpyBot S&D, Spyware Blaster, AVG anti
spyware (formerly Ewido).
Once you know the system is clean, if the problem still persists do some
clean boot troubleshooting.
Clean Boot Troubleshooting
How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560
How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=316434
How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com