Extremely slow boot up

[Quizmonster]

Our Windows XP PC can take in excess of 15 minutes to boot up these days. The system was defragged last week and I've run disk cleanup. I've cleaned and defragged the registry using UniBlue Registry Booster. In addition, I've removed some unnecessary programs from startup using Remove Startup Programs Buddy. Neither Spybot nor Avast have thrown up any problems.
What else should I be doing?

[ChuckFickens]

15min!!!!

what are we dealing with here? how old is this computer?

[ACtheTROLL]

dump the reg booster - more trouble than good.

could be time to bite the bullett and rebuild

[Quizmonster]

I should point out that this question is from my partner and not from me. I don't even know what a registry is!
Apparently, the lady could nor persuade AnswerBank to sign me out or her in and thus the question in my name. I'll leave her to respond to your answers...

The computer was bought in January 2005 - and once it's up and running, everything's usually fine!

What's the problem, Troll, with the reg booster?

[ACtheTROLL]

all registry tools are at best just a waste of time/money
the registry is a dynamic record of that particular machine

so without fixes rules cleaners and optimisers can only best guess - and if they are wrong ... you stuffed.
I don't know of a single pc mag that's ever bothered to review one - or a single pro who would be caught using one.

the good news is (for the developer) that they find 1000s of problems every time they are run - because they clean the temp areas the windows cleans for itself while running.

without seeing the machine it's difficult - but if you have all the discs - crash burn ... reinstall run all updates
and you'll see a new machine
I do my machines every 12-18 months

just backup essentials before you start

[Quizmonster]

Oh dear, I feared that might be what was needed, Troll! I may well need to do that. Drat! Sounds like a big job.

[imhotep]

I have found something that might help.
But it would be interesting to know what ACtheTROLL makes of it first,if he's stillaround.
The program is called RegCure.
You will have to register with them first though.

https://www.regcure.com/safecart/order/withplpc/registration/index_pp3.php?aid=3&lid=EN&vid=31245&cpid=84&lid=EN

[ACtheTROLL]

im nice try - it's popular but it's just one of the many
it's a cleaner/optimiser/waste of time

quiz - I usually allow 2 days ... feed a cd - click ok - go back when you can - less stress.

if you can find the latest drivers - somuch the better
dell etc are easy - it's all in the support pages

if you're clever - get it right - and them make an image

[Quizmonster]

Ok, I'll need to bite the bullet then, Troll. Thanks for the help everybody.

[rcmzz]

i think you should check your registry
maybe there is a problem
you can do an online scan http://www.registryfix123.com/