Boots fast but networking seems to lock up usability for a few minutes

[mitchfultz]

Hi all.

I have a Dell XPS L502X laptop-Core i7 with a Kingston HyperX 3K SSD installed in it. The operating system is Windows 7 Ultimate.

I did a clean installation of Windows when installing my SSD by following a guide "Sean's Windows 7 Install & Optimization Guide for SSD" and everything worked perfectly and was very fast. It used to boot up and open all applications and make all network connections within 15 -20 seconds and from then the computer was fully functional.

However, lately I have been having an issue immediately after the boot process hits the desktop. The applications I have always had starting up start up in the same amount of time, but the wireless networking seems to be causing an issue. It may not be the culprit but it is what I notice to be different.

The wireless icon with have the signal bars with the blue circle over them as if it would be connecting to a network. The blue circle does not move as it usually does though. If I click the icon nothing happens. If I right click the icon, the options won't open up unless I repeatedly try to right click it. After a minute or two, it seems like something happens all at once and everything I was trying to do earlier happens and a connections is established.

While the icon and wireless issue is occurring, I am unable to open any applications. If I click the google chrome icon, it will act as if it will load and then just go away. When I click it again, the same thing. However, when the wireless thing finally responds both of the chrome windows open from earlier.

I have disabled various startup items in an attempt to find the issue and haven't found a culprit. I have also uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers for the wireless and ethernet card. To no avail. Malware, virus, rootkit scans all show no threats either.

I'm at a loss. I am posting a video that shows my issue. It happens at every boot. If you could provide some help that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Startup Freeze - YouTube

 

[chev65]

What ever program was opening up before you even had a connection is most likely causing the problem..

You need to turn off all those start up programs, no two ways about it. Do not allow anything to start up when you start Windows. It's delaying your wireless from making a connection.

 

[mitchfultz]

Will give it a shot and report back.

 

[mitchfultz]

I disabled all programs with MSConfig and I had the same issue, nothing changed. Any ideas?

 

[chev65]

I disabled all programs with MSConfig and I had the same issue, nothing changed. Any ideas?

In MSConfig, did you try starting in safe mode with Networking to see if the problem persists?

 

[mitchfultz]

I started it up in safe mode and networking only and the wireless connection did connect after a few seconds.

So the problem occurs on a normal boot and boot with all startup programs disabled.
Where do I look next for the cause?

 

[chev65]

I started it up in safe mode and networking only and the wireless connection did connect after a few seconds.

So the problem occurs on a normal boot and boot with all startup programs disabled.
Where do I look next for the cause?

So now we know that the problem is caused by an installed program, something that is running at start up.

You need to use Autoruns in order to weed out the program that is causing the problem. It's a process of elimination type of program which is about the only way to find out which program is causing this problem.

Autoruns for Windows

 

[mitchfultz]

I have opened auto-run and haven't seen anything suspicious or even what to disable. The programs that are starting up now are the same exact ones that were starting up before the issue started.

 

[mitchfultz]

Uninstalled and reinstalled the driver and driver software for the wireless card and ethernet card and still the issue persists.

Would it be useful to run one of those programs that creates a log so someone on here who is knowledgeable can try to spot something that may be of interest?

What program(s) do you recommend?

P.s. I have run sfc /scannow three times and found no violations.

Thanks