Solved 20 min+ boot time, boot is in slow motion

[Not2Lucky]

So this started about 5 days ago, and it was out of the blue. The boot would take 18 to 23 minutes. The weird thing is that is is in slow motion, like when the window first shows up by the stars coming together in a spiral, the stars are moving really slowly. Originally it was slow rendering the graphics once the boot was complete, however I change the graphics requirement to be at a minimal, and there is no really operational issue here except for the start up time. I am about to give up and bring it to a shop, but to save a few $ I am going to try here.

I found that I had the Java exploit virus (cve_2012_1734), I removed that with MSSE. I scanned with MSSE and then did the safe startup (also took a long time to boot up) and ran Maleware, they found nothing after the removal.

I deleted JAVA and reinstalled the new version from the java site
I did a system restore to before the problems started but that did not help (I have system restore back to July, I am wondering if that is the best way to go?)

I found that my driver for my graphics card was old, so I changed that.
I ran sfc \scannow .... no problems.

I am searching for my install disks, I remember reminding myself to make them when I got the computer last summer, I am just not sure I made them or not.
I made a system repair disk, but I only did that after the problem started, so I am not sure if that is worth anything.

After all that I am still having the slow motion boot ups and everything is fine after that.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance
N2L

 

[Maguscreed]

try a system file check first
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

After that I would start looking at items in your startup that may be interfering with the boot process.

 

[Not2Lucky]

I ran the sfc, and ran it again... it did not find any problems.

How do I check the start up items... i normally use ccleaner, it as a "startup" tab that shows the items that are effected by start up, and there is nothing strange there.

Is there another way to check the start up? what should I be looking for?

N2L

 

[Maguscreed]

The proper way is through msconfig
just type it int he start bar search box and hit enter.

DO NOT mess with services from there. Only the startup tab.
Anything in the startup tab can be safely removed (unticked) in the course of troubleshooting.
Though in some cases the software associated with it might get weird.
Once again, only the startup tab though, don't go messing with the other stuff in there.

 

[Not2Lucky]

ok, went though MS config. I turned off with extreme prejudice, I turned off all the program updates (apple, Java, itunes), I looked at all the enteries (there were like 15) and they all seemed "normal".

The boot time was still horrible.... until....I disconnected the USB cord expander (one of those plastic things, that turn one usb to 4 ports), the only thing pluged into it was going to my printer.... as soon as I did that, the start up resumed at normal speed.

I am still connected to my computer via the wireless network.... it is a LEXMARK Pro901

Now here is the weird part, when I disconnect the USB splitter, and directly hook up my printer to the computer... start up is normal speed also....

So i just thew out the splitter, it started up 4 times at normal speed, I think I am ok...

N2L

ps: I returned to "normal startup", including all the drivers and I am getting to my password screen in 47 sec, and completely booting up in 1.50.

 

[Maguscreed]

Ah, good thinking, a odd cause for this but not unheard of.
Usually this scenario would come up with a external hard drive on the usb or something.

We can guess there is a power issue in the usb hub, or it's just cheaply made, and sending the system in a long ongoing hardware detection loop as a result.