Windows XP Starts VERY Slowly After Reinstall

[zacharypaul725]

I was forced to reinstall Windows XP to resolve other problems on my
PC. I am not able to put SP2 on my computer due to a compatability
issue (which would be nice to have fixed as well...). All other Windows
updates are installed, and the system still starts up very slowly.
After the BIOS screen flashes, and the eMachines screen appears, the
screen goes black and the gray bar apppears at the bottom of the
screen. The progress of this bar usually takes around 45 minutes to
complete. Once done, the Windows XP logo appears and the computer
proceeds to startup normally, even quickly. I performed a repair
installation of Windows XP to no avail; the loading situation is
exactly the same. This is becoming a real problem and any help would be
much appreciated!

Thanks,
Zach

 

[JS]

Did you use the Recovery CD that came with the PC to re-install Windows?

JS

 

[zacharypaul725]

Yes, I used the eMachines Restore DVD, as an actual Windows XP disc was
not provided with the computer (nor does eMachines seem to ship any if
needed).

 

[JS]

That should at least eliminate any driver issues.
Do a scan disk to verify integrity of the hard drive.

JS

 

[JS]

On second thought it would be a good idea to check eMachines web site and
download and install the latest drivers for your PC.

JS

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I was forced to reinstall Windows XP to resolve other problems on my
PC. I am not able to put SP2 on my computer due to a compatability
issue (which would be nice to have fixed as well...). All other Windows
updates are installed, and the system still starts up very slowly.
After the BIOS screen flashes, and the eMachines screen appears, the
screen goes black and the gray bar apppears at the bottom of the
screen. The progress of this bar usually takes around 45 minutes to
complete. Once done, the Windows XP logo appears and the computer
proceeds to startup normally, even quickly. I performed a repair
installation of Windows XP to no avail; the loading situation is
exactly the same. This is becoming a real problem and any help would be
much appreciated!

Thanks,
Zach

Is your data backed up? What is the compatibility issue?

I would suggest getting your hands on another bare hard disk and retrying
the install. Does this change the results?

HTH
-pk