My friend's PC have problem in startup - it takes 20-30sec in a black screen with blinking cursor before the windows XP login screen shows. Anything wrong with the system?1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi, Boot into Safe Mode and run a few tests- Check startup program in MSCONFIG. Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG have a look at the Startup tab see whats starting up your PC boots- Check Event viewer in Computer Management for any errors on boot- Run malware / virus scan- Check free harddisk scan and clear up temporary files."If you find my reply helpful please click the 'Vote As Helpful' button next to my reply"

Thanks for your advice. Is it possible to know with process that takes long time to start? I understand that should be the general step, but the message in event sometimes is too general for troubleshooting.

Hi, Sorry is your question what process takes the longest to boot? If so this all depends on the program, it version, your system spec i.e. Hardrive, CPU, RAM etc. Have you run the malware scan and checked harddisk free space?"If you find my reply helpful please click the 'Vote As Helpful' button next to my reply"

Have you run the malware scan and checked harddisk free space?"If you find my reply helpful please click the 'Vote As Helpful' button next to my reply"Yes, but would malware actually interfere with the login screen?Forgive me for intruding but from an old.... LONG retired mischeif maker for computers viewpoint, most malware starts up AFTER login, no? Not BEFORE the login screen, right?Young and learning...Have mercy - ChaosIf this post resolves your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" buttons. This helps other users with similar problems find the answer faster.

I think more likely it is a hardware problem. My friend updated me that it fails to start-up everyday when he turn on the PC for the first time. But second or later startup can work after a long black screen and blinking currsor.What I don't sure is whether it's his Lenovo PC motherboard issue or his harddisk issue.

most malwareMost malware yes not all malware. Just to point out. Thanks"If you find my reply helpful please click the 'Vote As Helpful' button next to my reply"

Alright...Alright...I was just curious, I've never run into a malware problem that had that effect...Young and learning...Have mercy - ChaosIf this post resolves your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" buttons. This helps other users with similar problems find the answer faster.

Hi Chaos_Edit, I wasn't being funny or anything, just pointing it out. But thank you for your observation, good to see young people willing to learn and contribute. "If you find my reply helpful please click the 'Vote As Helpful' button next to my reply"