" My PC is running incredibly slooooooow. It takes about 4 mins just to start up. I've run ATF cleaner, have firewalls and virus protection but can't work out what's wrong. I couldn't even open up word yesterday. "

This is a very common question about a very common problem: My computer is slow, what can I do?


Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible. Normally, when you start your computer, Windows loads a huge amount of data into your computer’s memory. In safe mode, however, you only have access to basic files and drivers (for example, mouse, monitor, keyboard, default system services, and no network connections). Therefore, the processor is only running at a fraction of its capacity.

If your system is significantly faster in safe mode, one or more applications or drivers may be causing the slowdown in normal mode. This gives you some idea where to start further checking. For an example, if you’ve recently added new software or a new device, try uninstalling it or removing the hardware to see if your computer speeds up.

1. To begin entering Windows XP Safe Mode, turn your PC on or restart it. Just before the Windows XP splash screen shown above appears, press the F8 key to enter the Windows Advanced Options Menu.
   



2. You should now see the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen. If not, you may have missed the small window of opportunity to press F8 from Step #1 and Windows XP is probably now continuing to boot normally if it's able to. If this is the case, just restart your computer and try pressing F8 again.
   
   Here you are presented with three variations of Windows XP Safe Mode you may enter:
   • Safe Mode - This is the default option and is usually the best choice. This mode will load only the absolute minimum processes necessary to start Windows XP.
   • Safe Mode with Networking - This option loads the same processes as Safe Mode but also includes those that allow the networking functions in Windows XP to work. This is valuable if you may need to access the Internet or your local network while troubleshooting in Safe Mode.
   • Safe Mode with Command Prompt - This flavor of Safe Mode also loads a minimum set of processes but will allow access to a command prompt. This is a valuable option if more advanced troubleshooting is necessary. This Windows XP Safe Mode option is a little different so check out the Windows XP Safe Mode with Command Prompt instructions for more information.
   Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight either the Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.



3. When the dialog box shown above appears, click on Yes to enter Safe Mode.
   



4. Entry into Windows XP Safe Mode should now be complete. Make any changes you need to make and then restart the computer. Assuming there are no remaining issues preventing it, the computer should boot to Windows XP normally after a restart.
   
   Note: As you can see in the screen shot above, it's very easy to identify if a Windows XP PC is in Safe Mode. The text "Safe Mode" will always appear in each corner of the screen when in this special diagnostic mode of Windows XP.



Why booting into Safe Mode?
Users who may not be able to boot into normal mode or are not able to troubleshoot their computer properly may need to boot into Safe Mode bypassing normal windows settings and startup programs and allowing the user to fix their computer.

Trouble Getting into Windows 2000 or Windows XP Safe mode?
If after several attempts you are unable to get into Windows 2000 or Windows XP Safe Mode as the computer is booting into Windows, turn off your computer. When the computer is turned on the next time Windows should notice that the computer did not successfully boot and give you the Safe Mode screen.

Up to 30% improvement in overall PC performance. Tested by PC Magzine and WinBench the benchmark software. Boost up your PC in 2 minutes and get your slow PC running as new! Clear non-essential programs/services from start-up.