xp computer takes so long to boot?

go to start>run>msconfig
then to go startup tab, and remove all entries except the antivirus one
restart your computer & try

Whats the antivirus you are using?

Also, download & run combofix:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

I have already done the msconfig and have removed all entries except the antivirus program.
I am using AVG 8.5 free edition.  Doing this has not made a difference.  Also, it is important to
know that this computer is connected to a DSL router and is sharing the internet with an iMac.
Both computers require a login password to the ISP in order to get internet access.  Might this be causing the problem?  Maybe it is a network problem.

Uninstall Antivirus & try

>>  Both computers require a login password to the ISP in order to get internet access.  Might this be causing the problem?  Maybe it is a network problem.

Not for starting up.


I'd disable AVG and run the following anti-virus products.  Combofix has already been recommended.

MalwareBytes:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php
ComboFix:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix
HitmanPro:
http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro
TDSSKiller:
http://support.kaspersky.com/downloads/utils/tdsskiller.zip

I have removed the AVG and it did not make a difference in the startup time.  It still takes
2 minutes and 45 seconds to boot.  Also there is only the flashing hyphen at the top left of a black screen.
There is no startup screen displaying detected drives, chipset, and BIOS information.

Typically this stuff is displayed...the BIOS chip's POST program detecting the onboard storage and also the display should show which key to press to start the setup program but all of this is not seen on the screen when this computer is trying to boot.

could be fan problem, or a hard disk issue

>>  There is no startup screen displaying detected drives, chipset, and BIOS information.

Check BIOS.  May be an option to enable or disable this stuff.  Also check that computer is showing correct time.

It may also be a bootkit virus(flashing boot cursor + only noticable slowdown is webbing). Quickest way to find out is to use above mentioned TdssKiller, although Hitmanpro + Combofix also can detect and remove is present :)

Certainly you want to rule-out a rootkit virus, as those can be particularly malicious.  TDL3 and TDL4 hide themselves by creating their own special encrypted hidden area on a disk.  They allow remote operators access to your system, password theft, and potentially electronic banking or identiy theft.

I did the Dell 32 bit diagnostics today.  It determined that drive 0 passed the test.
I assume that drive 0 is the C drive.  It indicated that drive 1 was not recognized.  
Once the computer booted...after almost 3 minutes, and, when I went into "my computer" it indicated that there was a drive K.  Drive K is a backup drive that the system seems to be unable to recognize on boot.  What should I do?
thanks,
capreol

>>  Drive K is a backup drive that the system seems to be unable to recognize on boot.  What should I do?

That will be for restoration purposes.   It will be a partition on drive 0.  Drive 0 has two partitions, the C: and the K:

If you need to restore the operating system there will be hot keys you can use on bootup to access the K:  possibly F11 or CTRL-F11.  Refer to your manual for details.   Your 3 minute boot time is perhaps a little slow but I wouldn't call it abnormal.

If you wish to play around with boot times check out BootVis http://www.weethet.nl/english/hardware_bootvis.php  (download sites are on the Net, Microsoft no longer has it).

Hmm drive 1 not recognized could just be their way of saying there is no drive 1 found, or it could be something not working, but which.
What does BIOS setup think are present devices?  One would expect a hard drive and a CD/DVD drive.  More than those two?
Maybe you could right click on My Computer, Manage, and in system Management click the Drive Management branch.  See what it shows.  If you can Alt-Shift-PrintScreen and then paste it in Paint and save as a .jpg and then post that file here

Check boot priority in bios make sure hard drive is set to boot first.. Also check for quick boot option in bios. If you have such option then enable it.



Ded9

The solution involved determining that it was a failling hard drive.  Backup, new hard drive, reinstall windows and restore drivers and data.
thanks,
capreol