No, I did not respond to that question.
I'd start by disabling the Windows firewall, you don't need two and assuming
the other firewall you have blocks and alerts about both outgoing and
incoming and most firewalls other than the XP firewall do, that should be
sufficient.
Below are some things you might try with regard to your other issues:
First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
virus scan.
Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com
If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.
The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.
Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
If your system is clear of viruses, open Control Panel, open System, go to
the Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, remove the
check from "Automatically Restart" under System Failure. This will cause
the system to blue screen instead of restarting on errors and the
information on the blue screen may give a clue as to the source of the
issue.
Open Control Panel, open Administrative Tools, open Event Viewer, look for
errors corresponding to the crash, double click the error, the information
contained within may give a clue as to the
source of the problem. If you don't understand the information inside, the
third button down in that dialog box will copy the information,
you can then paste it into a message and post it here and maybe we can
figure out what is going on.
Assuming you have an XP CD and not a recovery CD, place the XP CD in the
drive, when the setup screen appears, select "Check System Compatibility,"
the report it generates may point to problem hardware or software on your
system. If you do not have an XP CD, you can download this application
known as the Upgrade Advisor from the following site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
Note: If you have access to a broadband connection it might be best to
download using that as this is a rather large download.
Check for the latest drivers for your hardware, especially your graphics
card and soundcard and all peripherals connected to your system. Do not use
Windows Update for this, go to the device manufacturer's web sites and if
you install updated drivers, ignore the message about drivers being unsigned
by Microsoft. *Before installing any drivers, be sure you are well backed
up and it's probably a good idea to manually create a restore point in
System Restore in case you have problems as a result of the driver update
and note, System Restore is not a substitute for a backup. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore
Run defrag your disk and you might also cleanout the prefetch folder as was
suggested in the thread in which you originally asked the question. The
prefetch folder will rebuild on its own, it builds based on your usage.
--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org:
http://www.dts-l.org/
chicagofan said:
Did you perhaps respond to my message about "After SP2..." questions?
I posted a message here, and stupidly forgot that I had *blocked* the
subject "SP2" [when I first signed up], to read other messages faster
while I was getting acquainted with WinXP. So I couldn't read even my
post, or see any replies if there were any. I realized it today, and
unblocked the subject, but can't get back... what was blocked.
My questions were about any tips on why power management or Stand by,
stopped working after SP2 installation, and any *hints* to changing
whatever made the Start Up and Shut Down crawl like molasses now. If you
replied, could you retrieve that post and copy it here? Or just give me
your best advice? TIA...
bj
P.S. - I forgot, I also wanted to know if I should uncheck the Windows
Firewall, since I am using another one. Also, might that be a reason it
is so slow now, starting up, etc.?
bj
