Dell laptop - - 10 minutes to boot up. Another five to bring in the mail. How can I shorten this?

[Metta]

I'm not exaggerating. Happens every time. I have an Inspiron 8100, four years old or so. Sometimes, I feel myself aging as I'm waiting.

[canetoad]

1. Go to start menu

click on 'Run' then type in msconfig

In the window that appears go to the 'Startup' tab, which is last on the right. See how many items are starting up when your computer runs. Personally, I'd disable everthing except your anti-virus. You can always repeat the process and enable items you find are essential.

[Metta]

2. We gave it a try and it seems to be much quicker.

Thanks for the clear, detailed info. Very helpful. :)

[canetoad]

3. Glad that helped

Defragging the hard drive may noticeably improve things too. You didn't say which operating system you are using, I just assumed XP.

If so, this page could be of help. It's pretty self explanatory:

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

[Metta]

6. Yes, we're saving 3-4 minutes at least.

I am using XP and will check out the black viper page you suggested. Thanks again.

[Celebration]

4. Do you scan for spyware?

All those things can slow you down. I just use the free version of Spybot found on the 'net.

[Metta]

5. I think my AVG program does that but I'll run it anyway.

This seems like a safe thing to do. Thanks.

[paparush]

7. What OS are you running? For all of my machines running XP, I turn OFF

all of the fancy schmancy menus, effects, etc.. and just go with battleship grey and classic windows style and this always seems to enhance performance.

On XP -
Right Click on My Computer
Select "Properties"
Click the "Advanced Tab"
Click the "Settings" button under the Performance Section
Click the "Custom" command button
Uncheck EVERY option in the Custom window.