How to Boost Your System Startup

One of the most common issues any computer technician or helpdesk representative has been asked about is how to speed up Windows startup. There are a lot of different factors, both software and hardware, that cause the slowness or fastness that the system would load or boot. This article aims to help you even if you are not a "techie".

Make Some Changes with the BIOS

Ask any expert and they will immediately tell you that the first thing to do is to make a few changes to the system BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This system is actually a set of commands and instructions that are built into your desktop's motherboard. It allows your computer to recognize the type of hardware connected to facilitate communication.

To make the necessary tweaks, you need to access the BIOS set up screen. However, utmost care is needed when you are making the changes because one tiny mistake can cause more serious problems. You should realize that this is a sensitive process and you shouldn't go through it if you are not willing to risk and making huge mistakes. You might feel better if there is someone knowledgeable who can assist you.

1. It is important that you begin with your pc completely turned off. Do not go from hibernation or sleep mode, shut it down first and then you can begin after reboot.

2. Go to the BIOS screen as suggested. The process might depend on your computer. The most common involves pressing DEL (Delete) key, pressing F1, pressing F10, or simultaneously pressing CTRL-ALT-S.

3. Once you've gained access, go to the BOOT menu. Navigate using these keys: Tab and Enter.

4. Most of the latest editions, there is an option for Quick Boot. You simply enable this so as to skip all the memory tests and Power On Self Tests or POST.

5. Next, you go to the Boot Device Priority to alter the first boot device option to be the computer's hard drive. This process will speed up the system, however, it this will not allow you to boot the system using the CD-ROM. If booting from anything is important, you can simply not perform this step. However, if you do decide to make alteration, you can still re-enter the setup screen and change put CD-ROM as your first option.

6. Once you're done, go to Exit and Save Changes.

7. Your desktop will then reboot.

You will still find other options from the setup menu on speeding startup, like disabling the AUTO RETECT function of your hard drive and other media.

Make Tweaks on Your Windows Operating System Settings

The hold up in rebooting or reloading might be on the operating system. The Windows tools, System Configuration Utility will help you in making the necessary modification.

Changes in the Startup Tab

1. Go to Start and click Run.

2. Type in MISCONFIG on the window and then press Enter.

3. Go to STARTUP tab from the System Configuration Utility.

4. You will be lead to command box where all the items from Startup are visible.

5. All of the items that are checked are those that are loaded every time Windows starts. If there are many items that are marked, it will surely take some time in loading and booting. You can uncheck some of the items if you deem them unnecessary.

You will see the Name of the Program and to which folder they are located. There is also the information where the file starts from. This could be from the Windows Registry, where most system files are located, or in the ALL PROGRAMS folder.

It is important that you thoroughly check the items so you can decide which ones you will uncheck.

6. Once you're done with the modifications, click OK.

7. The system will then reboot.

Windows Services

1. When your desktop has been rebooted, go to Start, click on Run, and key in MSCONFIG.

2. Press Enter.

3. You will get System Configuration Utility the second time. Go to the Services tab.

4. Click on "Hide All Microsoft Services" to establish those series that you do not need and have them removed. Keep in mind that you'll only need the services that support your video and sound cards and the antivirus programs that are left running. The others that you don't have a need for, you can disable them. If you need help deciding what to chose, you can search through Google for additional information or you can ask a technician

Perform the above tips and you'll never have a problem with a slow start again.