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About Mike
Expertise
Areas of expertise: PC Hardware, Peripherals, Barcode Scanners, Printers, and Applications, Networking, Microsoft Applications. I am good at researching issues and have a lot of contacts in the IT industry. So, if I can't directly answer a question I can likely find the answer. Areas I won't be much help in: Apple Computers, Linux, older Networking technologies like Token Ring, or Thick/Thinnet.

Experience
I'm currently a Network Administrator for a contract circuit board manufacturer in Oregon, USA. I've been working on PCs from a hobby standpoint for better than 25 years. I've been doing it professionally for 4 years.

Education/Credentials
A+ Certification, Network + Certification, MCP, MCDST, MCSA (in process)

You are here: Experts > Computing/Technology > Focus on PC Support > PC hardware--CPU & Motherboard & RAM > Computer Slow To Bootup

PC hardware--CPU & Motherboard & RAM - Computer Slow To Bootup

Expert: Mike - 10/26/2009

Question
They told me I had been asking too many follow-up questions, so I had to start a new question. I will copy/paste the last thing I asked you (and your reply) just as a reminder.

All I wanted to tell you now is that I even tried updating the driver of the BIOS (because the BIOS runs first at startup) and even though it didn't make it worse...still no fix.

Then, just to see what would happen, I started the PC in Safe Mode, and it took longer than the 7 minutes to start in Safe Mode. I thought that would make it start quick, so now I am pretty worried that it might be a HDD failure...or the start of one. Ok, just wanted to update you.

Michael

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QUESTION: Well, I tried the error checking...didn't fix it. I tried installing the latest "Catalyst Control Center" (which I heard can be problematic for some) and although it installed fine and gave me no additional problems...it didn't fix my problem. I didn't defrag yet, but am doubtful that it would correct anything now...will still try it though.

You have been very helpful and I was wondering if you would recommend any specific nVidia card. I want one at least as powerful as my current, but I don't have to get the greatest one available. I am concerned as well about installing it, hoping it's as simple as old one out...new one in.

Thanks again for everything,
Michael

Answer That computer has a PCI Express x16 video slot so that is the type of card you want to look for.
You can just check local stores and look for cards in your price range that are:

PCI Express (or PCIe for short), x16 is the maximum speed, nVidia brand chipset (different manufacturers make cards with nVidia chipsets), and a minimum of 512MB of memory. The more memory, the better. It just depends on what you want to spend.

The nVidia Geforce 9400GT is a decent card and runs around $60. You'll benefit from making sure it is at least 512MB.

My preference for online suppliers is PC Connection because I do all my business with them at work. Here's a link on their page to that card I mentioned but, like I said, any nVidia card that meets the above specs would be a decent choice:

http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=9302460

If you find a card in a store that you are curious about you can let me know what it is and I'll give you an opinion before you buy it.

Replacing a video card is pretty straight forward and here is a couple links that will help. You want to make sure and uninstall the Catalyst Control Center software and uninstall the video card from your Device Manager like you had done once, before you put in the new card.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2026285_replace-video-card.html
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-install-or-change-my-computers-graphics-card

Don't hesitate in hitting me up for more help if you need it.

Mike R.
Network Administrator

ANSWER: It does sound like at the very least a format and reinstall of Windows is in order. Frustrating but pretty standard for a pc that's been running for a few years.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Funny thing is, I bought it on 09/23/08. So it's only a year and one month old. Now I just need to find a backup method that will not only backup all my files (not a problem) but one that will back up my programs so in one swoop I can reformat the whole computer and then install the backup and be caught up just like that. I do have an external HDD so I could back it all up on that. Any program recommendations?

I don't want to waste anymore of your time, so this will probably be it for me. You really have been great...thanks.

Michael

Answer
The only software that will do what you are wanting is an imaging type program, like Symantec Ghost. It takes one hard drive and mirrors it onto another so all you have to do is physically swap drives.
The process is a little complicated however, and the software fairly expensive for only a one time need. So I would strongly recommend calling around to local computer shops and see if any have the necessary software and skills to do it for you.

The money spend would be worth the peace of mind of having the swap done from an insured professional.

Your situation is a bit of a gamble because if it is a corrupted operating system and not the actual hard drive, then replacing the drive and imaging it to a new drive will only literally move the problem from one drive to another.

I don't remember what operating system you mentioned running, but if you're currently running Vista you might want to think about getting a new Windows 7 Upgrade disk and upgrading it. The disk runs around $120-$220 depending on the version. Windows 7 is also really sweet. I've been running it for about 3 months and it lives up to the hype. Stable, much faster than Vista, and some really nice features.

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