PC takes 9 minutes to start...

[zegulas]

Everything was going fine until yesterday night. I woke up today and started my PC, just to find out that it won't. I got an error message saying "C:\Windows\System32\System" file was missing.
I had to check my Orkut scraps, so I started my PC using a Linux Mint live CD. After doing all that, I turned the PC off, then again after sometime I started it, but now even Linux refused to start.
Then I called one of my friends and asked him to bring his Windows XP CD. Even during the installation it was taking a lot of time. Now after reinstalling, the PC takes approximately 9 minutes to start. What should I do now???

[Sumeet_naik]

Do the basics,
Run an antivirus, anti-malware scan.
open msconfig and untick unwanted programs from startup..
Run any tuneup utility..

Even try disk defragmentation. .

[evewin89]

try installing xp on a different drive.

[zegulas]

ok, but the problem even persisted when I disconnected the Hard-drives and only used the CD ROM to boot Linux...

[anzaan]

Originally Posted by zegulas

ok, but the problem even persisted when I disconnected the Hard-drives and only used the CD ROM to boot Linux...

then most prbbly u hv too much uwanted expired entries in registry. n also keep less applications in start up.

dwnlod ccleaner. run registry fix n remove unwanted applications frm start up

finally scan ur system

[desiibond]

1) Check IDE cables.
2) Check if CPU is getting adequate airflow.
3) What is your system's config?

[sude]

yup... please post ur PC config.

[mrintech]

clean your system RAM

[zegulas]

AMD 3000+, MSI K8M800, 80GB PATA+ 250GB SATA, 512 MB DDR 400 MHz...
Now its taking 30 to 45 minutes to start...!!!
Forgot to mention 1 important thing, this thing started after I installed Windows XP Manager software and did some cleaning of XP with it.

That software actually removed some system files (as I have mentioned above). I had to reinstall XP, but even the XP's CD took a lot of time just to load, I mean I have installed XP on my PC and also on many other PCs for more than a 100 times. It never takes so much of time, I am very confused right now, I guess there is some problem with the hardware only...

[desiibond]

put your hdd in any other pc and try to install windows in your HDD.

There is also a h/w diagnosis in Everest Ultimate I think, run it and paste the report here.

[IronManForever]

I think there's something wrong with IDE channels.. maybe something in BIOS? Okay, HDD maybe the sole culprit; but then why would'nt Linux Mint not boot the second time he tried it, that too with HDD disconnected?

[navinlinux]

check ur cpu fan.

[desiibond]

Reassemble everything and check!!!

[vamsi360]

Originally Posted by mrintech

clean your system RAM

Brother RAM will automatically be erased when no power is supplied i.e when shutdown.

[thewisecrab]

Check proper airflow of the cabinet and ensure all the cables are connected properly.
I had a similar prob (8-10 mins of booting time). I reassembled my PC and it came down to about 4 mins. But that was 2 years ago

[zegulas]

OK, I will check the hardware, but after a few days. Because I have my presentation on Monday and I don't want the PC to stop working, in-case something goes wrong!