takes ages to load 'user' at startup

[Vicx]

when I start my computer and windows loads, it takes like 30-60 seconds before I can do anything, my computer is busy or anything, I can open any programs. In the windows task manager it says the 'user name' next to the program under the 'processes' tab, I cant open any programs until my user loads, but for some reason it takes ages now. I was playing around with the network settings and I think that caused it. how do I fix this? it shouldnt take this long for it to get the user in, my computer just sits there for 30 seconds and waits for something... but what

[_N_]

which operating system might this be?

[Vicx]

win xp pro
for anything else u might need about my specs try
here (http://forums.overclockers.co.nz/attachment.php?s=&postid=153521)

[Ragnor]

Well first thing to do is try and remember what you changed.. ;)

Also look at what is loading up at startup by checking the startup folder on the programs menu and checking in msconfig (start > run > msconfig).

[sparkles]

what kind of network do you have?

delays like that could be caused by a series of apps trying to load as ragnor has already said. however, if you feel that it has to do with the network settings you've changed then its most likely an unused protocol which is having to timeout before it lets you do anything else.

is the computer waiting for dhcp resolution in particular?

[Hooney]

Check out the system log in the event viewer. You can get to this through administrative tools in the classic view of the Control Panel.
Look for any errors that may be occurring. Also have a look at the other log files in case there is a hint in them.

[Vicx]

the computer isnt busy or anything when windows starts, it just sits there for 30 seconds and waits for something, all the apps finish loading within 5 seconds, then it just sits there.

I cant remember exactly what do change back cuz I spent about 2 days playing around with the network settings trying to get internet sharing working, got fed up and just bought a router instead.

saw the event viewer but didnt see any errors at startup, would it show as an error tho?

one thing I notice tho is just before the user logs in, on du meter theres some upload/download activity every time, so im sure its something to do with the network settings. I got the problem b4 and after I got the router.. still confused

[Vicx]

I think I found the problem in the event viewer here:

Your computer was not able to renew its address from the network (from the DHCP Server) for the Network Card with network address 000D870D2125. The following error occurred:
The semaphore timeout period has expired. . Your computer will continue to try and obtain an address on its own from the network address (DHCP) server.

but not sure what to do next...

[Gremlin]

Assign your NIC a static address and reboot and see if you no longer have the delay.

To do this just go into the network properties for the card and edit the TCP/IP settings.

If you've recently added a router, check to see if your router has a DHCP Server, if it has enable it and then you may not need to change the settings on your card at all.

[dairyboy]

you probably dont need to run a dhcp server? set the ip address's manually where applicable..and disable any dhcp stuff in all your network connections?

you could disable the dhcp server service....but that might trigger other problems if its not done properly.:rolleyes:

[Vicx]

I had this problem before I got the router, so its not the router causing the problems.
How exactly do I get a static address? what tcp/ip settings do I change exactly?

[Humantuckshop]

You just go into the properties of your Local Area Connection click on Internet Protocol TCP/IP and change it from 'Obtain automatically' to 'Use the following address'.

What you will want to do first though is open a command prompt window (start -> run -> cmd) once the window is open type ipconfig /all. This will display the current ip address of your machine. Then just enter those details manually as illustrated here:

[Gremlin]

This will display the current ip address of your machine. Then just enter those details manually
Only do that if your PC is currently networking ok though. Becuase youve got a DHCP failure your NIC is probably getting assigned an address in the 169.254.x.x range, this may not neccessarily be the best or correct IP to use in your network as it could be in a different subnet than your other computer(s).

I think you mentioned you had at least one other machine on the network, take a look at the IP address being used on it using the ipconfig command mentioned above and try and using something in the same range, it's probably going to be 192.168.x.x like in the image above.

[Hooney]

To quickly check if you have found the culprit disable your network connection entirely. Right click on the connection and select disable. Reboot and see if your lag problem goes away. If it does start playing with these settings if not try looking elsewhere.

[Vicx]

u guys are too helpful thanks.. got the problem fixed, it was just this old dsl program from my isp, got rid of it.

but now i've got a new problem, its in the networking forum.