[Hellfighter]

see if it needs to be defrag any some time instill a large software or un-instill the HHD becomes defragmented and files are sprade all over the disk.

Windows Xp Disk "Defragmenter" come with a "Analyze" button it will tell if it need to be defrag or not. i do it if its over 10% fragmented system let it stand for 20% but most tech's i talk to say do it when it near 10%.

you can check for errors in the system if you like may help it bootup better if there any errors in the filing system.
Start>run> chkdsk /F ........a window pop-up press Y-key hit enter now restart you system may take 20min to 45min to finish scanning for errors

and maybe a deepscan for viruse you can get them even going to site's, e-mail, Internet messagers, attachments, download files even. do a bootupscan or in safemod were they will not be running (virus) a virus can make the system lag on startup too.

Start>run> type in: msconfig hit enter

last tap to the right "startup" on this page look over item to see is starting up with the system startup/bootup turn items off by unchecking them (only items you know of or about) this is really must know you turn a item you may get more headacke then you asking for. If you know a tech support to call for your Pc is better to do to disable item in here.

before you do anything at all try turn it off for 5min then start it up.