Faster Booting

[Art W.]

Hello Everyone:

I would like to know if anyone knows the name of a good program that will allow my computer to boot faster, I have check for this option in the BIOS, but it is not there. I am running MS XP Media Edition.

Thanks



Art W

[lintz]

How long does it currently take your computer to boot?

How many items do you have loading on startup?

[eSPiYa]

To make your PC boot faster; you must do a better partitioning of your hard-drives and good disk defragmenter & regscrubber.
Believe me or not but I already tested this.

[dclamp]

also, if you have alot of programs on start up, go to Start > Run > Type in "msconfig" and then go to "Startup" tab and unselect all the things that are not necssary.

[Art W.]

Hello Everyone:

I checked out the programs that are in the start up, there are 9, only 2 of which have been added since I bought the computer. (It originally was a lot faster booting).

Then I used System Mechanic industrial version 3.6D, and deleted 177 registry files.

It still takes around 20 minutes to boot up?

Any Ideas?

Thanks



Art

[rory]

copy this into a new Text File (notepad) and Save as .. All files, Name it with the extension .vbs

running it (clicking on it) will show a text report which will tell us what is on your startup, copy and paste the results here.

Or you could type them each out here from whats on the MSConfig list.

also see this post:
http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...69#post2755869

'// Startup Items

Option Explicit

Dim objReg, objFso, objShell
Dim TempFile, ComputerName, UserName
Dim strComputer, strKeyPath, strValue
Dim arrNames1, arrNames2
Dim arrTypes1, arrTypes2
Dim intRet1, intLoop
Dim x, y

const FileExt = "txt"
const HKCU    = &H80000001
const HKLM    = &H80000002

With CreateObject("WScript.Network")
    ComputerName = .ComputerName
    UserName = .UserName
End With

strComputer  = "."
Set objReg   = GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\" &_ 
               strComputer & "\root\default:StdRegProv")
strKeyPath   = "SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"

Set objFso   = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set objShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
TempFile     = objShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%TEMP%") & "\Startup." & FileExt

With objFso.CreateTextFile(TempFile, True)

    .WriteLine WriteCode("----------------------------------------------------------")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("REPORT INFORMATION")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("==========================================================")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("DESCRIPTION:   Startup Items")
    '// .WriteLine WriteCode("COMPUTER NAME: " & ComputerName)
    '// .WriteLine WriteCode("USER NAME:     " & UserName)
    .WriteLine WriteCode("DATE/TIME:     " & Now())
    .WriteLine WriteCode("")

    objReg.EnumValues HKLM, strKeyPath, arrNames1, arrTypes1
    If IsArray(arrNames1) Then
        x = UBound(arrNames1)
        If x > -1 Then
            .WriteLine WriteCode("----------------------------------------------------------")
            .WriteLine WriteCode("HKEY LOCAL MACHINE")
            .WriteLine WriteCode("==========================================================")
            .WriteLine WriteCode("")
            For intLoop = 0 To x
                objReg.GetStringValue HKLM, strKeyPath, arrNames1(intLoop), strValue
                .WriteLine "ITEM NAME: " & arrNames1(intLoop)
                .WriteLine WriteCode(strValue)
                .WriteLine WriteCode("")
            Next
        End If
    End if

    objReg.EnumValues HKCU, strKeyPath, arrNames2, arrTypes2
    If IsArray(arrNames2) Then
        y = UBound(arrNames2)
        If y > -1 Then
            .WriteLine WriteCode("----------------------------------------------------------")
            .WriteLine WriteCode("HKEY CURRENT USER")
            .WriteLine WriteCode("==========================================================")
            .WriteLine WriteCode("")
            For intLoop = 0 To y
                objReg.GetStringValue HKCU, strKeyPath, arrNames2(intLoop), strValue   
                .WriteLine "ITEM NAME: " & arrNames2(intLoop)
                .WriteLine WriteCode(strValue)
                .WriteLine WriteCode("")
            Next
        End If
    End If

    .WriteLine WriteCode("**********************************************************")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("*                                                        *")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("*  NOTE: This file will be deleted when you close it.    *")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("*  To retain this information, Print or Save as now.     *")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("*                                                        *")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("**********************************************************")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("")
    .WriteLine WriteCode("[Startup Report Generated by BahamasSecurity.com]")
    .Close
End With

On Error Resume Next
objShell.Run TempFile,,True
On Error GoTo 0

objFso.GetFile(TempFile).Delete

Set objFso   = Nothing
Set objShell = Nothing
Set objReg   = Nothing

Function WriteCode(sIn)
    If LCase(FileExt) = "htm" OR LCase(FileExt) = "html" Then
        WriteCode = sIn & "<br>"
    Else
        WriteCode = sIn
    End If
End Function

[Art W.]

I get the above error, when I run the script.


Thanks

Art



See Attachment

[rory]

Ok .. i dont want to send an exe as I dont think they allow that here,
I think you might have copied it incorrect or left out something ..

Here is the text file, just save it as a .vbs.
Let me know ..

Thanks
Rory

[int3gral]

also, if you have alot of programs on start up, go to Start > Run > Type in "msconfig" and then go to "Startup" tab and unselect all the things that are not necssary.

sorry to interupt. but i tried this procedure.. and how am i supposed to be sure which ones is neccesary and which ones arent the only way i see to classify these things would be there location some are them on located in "common startup" and the rest are on HKLM/etc etc. this is a computer however on a large network so i dont know if that has anything to do with it..

but does micro soft have a list somewhere with what files are necessary to have for startup

[rory]

there are no necessary files needed on the standard start up to run windows.
It will depend on your hardware and software, which ones are needed.

There are a ton of other services etc, that are required, but they are not listed in these sections.

[Static]

20 minutes is INSANE!!

I have probably 30 apps stuffed in startup in msconfig. and it only takes mine about a 2 mins.

PC specs are needed too.

another thing to check is How many fonts do u have installed? the more there are the slower it loads..

you might want to backup what you want to keep and wipe the HD and reinstall.

[rory]

you might want to backup what you want to keep and wipe the HD and reinstall.

Honestly that is always quicker than cleaning up (except the backup part),
and you get a nice fresh install ..

[Art W.]

Hello Everyone:

Below is the report of what I have running in startup, I don't know what
I did wrong the first time, I did it twice.

I am now taking about 7 minutes to boot up, I changed a few things, but it still seems
A bit too long to me?

Thanks

Art



----------------------------------------------------------
REPORT INFORMATION
==========================================================

DESCRIPTION: Startup Items
DATE/TIME: 2/1/2007 4:16:51 PM

----------------------------------------------------------
HKEY LOCAL MACHINE
==========================================================

ITEM NAME: TFncKy
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Controls\TFncKy.exe

ITEM NAME: THotkey
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Toshiba Applet\thotkey.exe

ITEM NAME: Tvs
C:\Program Files\Toshiba\Tvs\TvsTray.exe

ITEM NAME: SmoothView
C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSHIBA Zooming Utility\SmoothView.exe

ITEM NAME: Zone Labs Client
"C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"

----------------------------------------------------------
HKEY CURRENT USER
==========================================================

ITEM NAME: ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe

**********************************************************
* *
* NOTE: This file will be deleted when you close it. *
* To retain this information, Print or Save as now. *
* *
**********************************************************

[Startup Report Generated by BahamasSecurity.com]

[rory]

Ok one by one .. from various sources found on google.
(liutilities.com and auditmypc.com)

TFncKy.exe
"The tfncky.exe process is installed by default on Toshiba Notebook computers. It allows various functions to be performed using the Fn key found on Toshiba Notebooks. tfncky.exe is required for the Fn key to work correctly and so should not be terminated."

doubt it will make a difference on performance, but if you don't use the Fn key then you should be able to remove it from start up if you wanted. Ive done a few laptops including Toshiba and i generally remove all the hot key stuff as my clients never use them. Doesn't really have much if any effect on performance though, but why leave something that isn't used.


Thotkey
"The thotkey.exe process is installed by default on Toshiba Notebook computers. It allows various functions to be performed using the Fn key found on Toshiba Notebooks. thotkey.exe is required for the Fn key to work correctly and so should not be terminated."

once again the hot keys, i figure it might also be to do with the Internet and Email buttons on the laptop. Once again doubt it is your problem nor will have much of an impact on performance.


Tvs
"tvstray.exe is a traybar process associated with Toshiba Virtual Sound application. It gives you easy access to the sound settings on Toshiba Notebooks. This Tray Icon is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling it is down to user preference."

you dont really need this, but it probably has settings for the sound buttons etc on the laptop, you should be able to manually access this either in the start menu or the control panel, without it being in the system tray on startup. Also you can simply use the Windows Sound icon to adjust your regular audio settings. Doubt it has any impact on performance so its up to you.


SmoothView
" smoothview.exe is a process that belongs to the Zooming Utility from TOSHIBA. It is used to offer Zoom functionality in common application such as MS-Office. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling it is down to user preference."

Unless you use that feature, id get rid of it.


Zone Labs Client
"zlclient.exe is a part of the ZoneLabs Internet Security range of products, which acts as a firewall for your computer. This blocks Internet-bound viruses from compromising weaknesses on your computer and should not be terminated."

This will slow it down some, not 20 minutes though. If you use Zone Labs software then you need it on start up.


CTFmon
" ctfmon.exe is a process belonging to Microsoft Office Suite. It activates the Alternative User Input Text Input Processor (TIP) and the
Microsoft Office XP Language Bar. This program is a non-essential system process, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems."

"Note: ctfmon.exe could also be a process which is registered as a trojan. This Trojan allows attackers to access your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. This process is a security risk and should be removed from your system."

"Determining whether ctfmon.exe is a virus or a legitimate Windows process depends on the directory location it executes or runs from in WinTasks."

I'd get rid of it .. and do a full scan for malware and viruses ...

more info on Ctfmon:
http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/pr...tfmon.exe.html
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/282599

...............................................

Still doesn't look like much there is causing your issues .. unless that last one is a trojan ofcourse .. doubt it though ..

Honestly though you can goto MSConfig (Start, Run, MSCONFIG), Start up tab, and uncheck each one. Restart the PC and see if there is any difference. If not, just put them back on (check them), especially Zone Labs Client if you want that software to work.

Next thing to check are the services that are started on Startup ..
I have another script for that . .. if you want it let me know.

Also, if the system is running really slow all the time, there are other things to do and check.

And check the Zonelabs settings to make sure it is not doing a scan on startup, that may take 20 minutes!

Maybe someone else can tune in also on the above items.

Rory

[rory]

First backup all important data to an external drive (scan that when you are done with cleaning up the hard drive). I also would have mentioned using Lavasoft AdAware but their site is having issues lately.


PERFORMANCE
==============

Services

Disable any services you dont need.

Typical Services that can safely be disabled:

Automatic Updates
ClipBook
Computer Browser <-- if you are on a network and browse other computers leave this
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility <-- if you want to switch between users leave this
Help and Support
Indexing Service
Machine Debug Manager
Messenger
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager <-- if you use remote desktop leave this
Remote Registry <-- if you use remote desktop leave this
Security Center
System Restore Service
Themes <-- if you want to use themes leave this
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Wireless Zero Configuration <-- if you have built in wireless leave this


System Restore

Control Panel, System: Disable System Restore.


Indexing

Goto MyComputer, Right Click on all NTFS Drives, Properties, uncheck Indexing.


Automatic Updates

This is up to you, it can slow things down though as it runs in the background. Id suggest keeping an eye on SoftwarePatch.com and installing the security updates manually.

Control Panel, System: Disable Automatic updates (do them manually if you must).
also effected in the Services section above.

Manually install updates:
http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/index.html
I also have a silent install for all updates since the release of XPSP2 (not x64). Email me for this file. Currently it is 80MB. I update it frequently.

Appearence

Control Panel, System, Advanced tab, change the Performance level to Best. This is only a partial fix but will make a big difference anyway. In Display Properties under

Appearance, Effects; uncheck everything. (see tweakui below also)

Goto Themes and Apply the XP Theme if you want that, previous tweaks will remain.


Tweakui

Download Tweakui (the original one)
http://www.download.com/Tweak-UI/30..._4-2830963.html

There you can also set the menu speed under "Mouse", and also set he double click speed to "2" if you are using that. Under "General", uncheck everything but "Beep on errors".

Under "IE", uncheck the first 3 (Add New Documents to Start menu, and the 2 Active Desktops), if you really want to go all out, Uncheck "Shell Enhancements" (will loose some

other explorer features though).


Explorer

Goto MyComputer or MyDocuments, Tools Menu at the top, Folder Options. Use Classic Folders.
Under the View tab there, you can also uncheck the "Show Popup Description .." 2nd from the bottom.

Taskbar

Right click on the Taskbar at the bottom of your desktop, Click Properties, or goto Control Panel, Taskbar. Uncheck "Group Similar taskbar Items", and "Hide Inactive Items".



CLEAN UP
===========

First disable System Restore (see above), you can re enable it after clean up is completed if you like.


CCleaner (Crap Cleaner)

Download and run CCleaner, run the Cleaner and the Issues. Back up the registry when it asks, just in case. Also scan for Issues at least 3 times.

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/


Windows Cleanup (not from microsoft)

Download and run "Windows Cleanup!" from the following link. Use the "Thorough Cleanup" option, but first backup any important files.

http://www.tucows.com/preview/405276

Please note that when you select Thorough cleanup (selects search all drives for temp files) this may have adverse effects on certain folders you manually name Tmp or Temp, such as in the case of moving your User Temp folders to another drive. If you place other folders in these then they will likely be deleted. Use the thorough cleanup and / or Scan all drives option, only for a severely infected PC.


CWShredder

Download and run CWShredder. Cleans up CoolWebSearch if it is on the PC.
Standalone program no install required.

http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/


Backlight (i just started using this one)

Download and run the scan. It is a beta but I didnt have any problems. It will scan for root kits. This is a trial so you can remove it once done.

http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight/


AVG Anti-Spyware

Download and run AVG Anti-Spyware, run the updates, and do the following scans in order:

1-Registry Scan
2-Memory Scan
3-Complete Scan (takes a while)

Quarantine and Set to remember action for all. Delete them when finished all scans if they dont look like Windows System files (this could be difficult but i always delete and

never had a problem).

It also has some other features you can check out, such as connections, processes etc. Write down the name of any malware found.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti.../lng/us/tpl/v5

one thing you need to do is disable the guard, as it is only a trial anyway and uses alot of memory. Goto MSConfig Startup and uncheck the "guard". Also goto Control Panel,

Admin tools, Services, look for guard, and Stop & disable it. I find simply disabling within the program does not get rid of the service all the time hence the extra yard.


Spybot S&D

Download and run Spybot. Dont auto install updates when installing. Run the program then check for updates. Download all. Do a scan.

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Searc...spybot&subj=dl

this also finds some things that are not neccasarily spyware, so its hard to say until you do the scan


AVG Anti-Virus (not sure if Zone labs is an Anti-virus or just Firewall?)

Download, Install, and Restart PC. Run AVG Anti-Virus. Check for updates. Do a complete scan. Let it clean all items found, if any. Write down the name of any viruses found.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti.../lng/us/tpl/v5

there are other Anti-virus programs also but this is just as good for now


Defrag

Find Defrag; Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter (or right click on a drive in MyComputer, Properties, Tools, Disk Defragmenter). Defrag each Drive one

at a time. Make sure your screen saver is turned off first, and also check the power options so the Hard drive is not set to power down. Change those and you can switch them

back once defrag has completed.

Optionally download a Defrag Program I wrote that defrags all Hard drives without manually having to select each one.
http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=7382


Finalize

Run CCleaner and Windows Cleanup! again. Optionally run the scanners again. Also scan your external drive if you backed up any data to that. If you like to use System Restore and have disabled it before starting this, re enable it once you are done.

[Art W.]

Hello Everyone:

I think I have narrowed down my problem, but still need some help?

Here’s what I have done.

I cleaned the registry with System Mechanic Industrial Edition Ver 3.6d and removed all of the old keys, etc.

I defragged my computer.

I ran Spybot and deleted everything it found.

I ran ZoneAlarm, with the detection set to the highest levels, Enable byte-level scanning and Deep-intrusion Scan and deleted everything it found.

The ctfmom.exe file is MS, but I disabled it anyways.

I ran some time trials:

As is it took 2 minutes 10 seconds to get to my login screen and 6 minutes to get booted.

After removing ZoneAlarm, (I unplugged my internet connection) it took 1 minute 30 seconds to get to my login screen and 3 minutes to boot.

I got the same times turning off everything in startup, so I turned back on all of the Toshiba ones.

I installed an early version of ZoneAlarm Ver 5.1.001.00 and it took 2 minutes to get to my logon screen and 4 minutes to get booted.

I then upgraded back to my previous version of ZoneAlarm 6.5.737.000 and it took 1 minute and 55 seconds to get to my logon screen and 5 minutes and 5 seconds to boot.

I am running this version of ZoneAlarm on a lot of computers that still boot up much faster?

What am I missing

Thanks

Art

[rory]

What are the PC Specs?
Did it come with XP loaded originally or 98/Me?
Are the specs different from your other computers?
Did you totally remove Zone alarm (removes the service also) and then test?
I would still scan with AVG ..
Did you also do full cleanups as in my post above (CCleaner at least)?
Spybot doesnt get trojans or viruses, and even Nortons does not catch trojans that AVG Anti-Spyware does, I doubt Zone alarm would also.

[dclamp]

First backup all important data to an external drive (scan that when you are done with cleaning up the hard drive). I also would have mentioned using Lavasoft AdAware but their site is having issues lately.

.....

I added this post to my sig, if you dont mind

[msayed2004]

I didn't read the whole topic , I just noticed that you are using ZoneAlarm like me & I just wanted to say my PC starts up without it in 2 : 3 minutes & sometimes it reach 10 minutes or more with it.