How to Make Your Computer Start up Faster
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Unlike other electronic devices like television sets, computer systems do not normally attain ready state upon power up because it undertakes a startup process which involves checking the status of installed components like hard drives, CD or DVD drives, and memory modules among others. After completing the POST (Power On Self Test) method, the system will begin loading all the necessary modules, drivers, and libraries required by the Operating System while the machine is turned on. Unless all of these startup items are completely loaded, the machine will not attain a state of readiness. This may result in a prolonged boot-up process the user may find frustrating. A prolonged boot-up process especially for Microsoft Windows Operating System-based machines can be substantially shortened by implementing a combination of solutions.
Materials Needed:- Computer
- Operating System
- memory module
- system tool
Step 1
The easiest way to check for potential causes of boot-up process bog downs is by clicking on the 'Start' button and clicking on the 'Run' option.
Step 2
Type the 'msconfig' command in the 'Open' box and click on the 'OK' button. Wait for the System Configuration Utility window to pop up.
Step 3
Click on the 'BOOT.INI' tab. Check on the numerical value of the Timeout box. This by default is 30. It is equivalent to 30 seconds of wait time prior to the actual Operating System boot. Replace the value with three to reduce it to three seconds.
Step 4
Temporary files are another source of boot-up bottleneck. Make it a habit to periodically delete these files to make programs load faster. Accomplish this by clicking on the 'Start' button and choosing the 'Run' option.
Step 5
In the Open box, type %Temp% and click on the 'OK' button. This will open the temporary folder for the currently logged-on user.
Step 6
Click on the 'Edit' Menu and choose the 'Select All' option. Click on the 'File' Menu and select the 'Delete' option. This will move all contents to the Recycle Bin.
Step 7
Go to the Desktop and right click on the Recycle Bin icon. Choose the 'Empty Recycle Bin' option to remove all its contents.
Step 8
Periodically scan all storage drives of the machine to make sure that they are in good condition. This does not only make the machine run faster but also prevents data loss. Do this by clicking on the 'Start' button and choosing 'My Computer'.
Step 9
In the Windows Explorer, right click on the hard drive and choose the 'Properties' option from the context menu. This will open the Properties window.
Step 10
Click on the 'Tools' tab and click on the 'Check Now' button. This method may require a system reboot prior to its execution.
Step 11
Perform regular disk defragmentation to prevent data and software fragmenting. Repeat Steps 8 to 10 except instead of clicking on the 'Check Now', click on the 'Defragment Now' button. This process may take some time to complete.
Step 12
Another possible solution is to open the Web browser and download free system utilities that will allow the automatic checking and fixing of system properties. Also, make sure that program shortcuts are not added to the startup folder.
Step 13
Adding more memory module is another good way of improving the boot-up process of the computer system. Bring your CPU to any reputable computer store and have it professionally installed to prevent any possible problems.