If you boot in save mode, the OS doesn't load all the components and modules as in normal mode. This means that some application which seem to block your HD is not loaded. The trick is to find out which one that is!

Couple of thoughts:
After you log on in normal mode, leave the laptop running for a long time. And I mean LONG i.e.overnight. Sometimes you have a virus scanner, backup program or something which scans the whole HD and blocks the computer for a long time. See if you can access the laptop after this. Maybe there is a screen open which gives you a clue i.e. "Virus scanner has finished scanning all hard drives" etc.

When did the problem start? What happened before that time? Did you install something? A virus scanner? Did you change a configuration?

How much free space do you have on your HD? Windows creates a pagefile where it moves part of the memory to. If you have no space left on the HD, this can block the machine! If you have not much free space left, boot in safe mode, defrag your HD, use tools i.e. like TreeSize Free from Jam Tools (http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/ind...) and see if there are huge folders you can delete (Be careful!)

Any programs in the start up folder? Hold the SHIFT key while logging on and they will not be started! If it solves the problem, go to Start - Programs - Startup and see what is in there!

Enable boot logging (see link further down)

Uninstall unnecessary applications!

Have a look at this extensive article:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtec...

That's what comes to my mind for now. If I have another idea, I'll let you know!

One warning: If you change registry settings and delete files you don't know what they are for, you can seriously damage your system! A backup is crucial!

Cheers

Peter

Have u installed any hardware (so drivers installed)? Perhaps you have added in new memory or something. it seems something may not be compatable. It could also be a fault with your hard disk or memory (if memory not replaced/added).
On desktops, sometimes PSU's can do this sort of thing. But you have a laptop so I doubt you have any power problems.

It could be some upgrade/new software installed that is having compatability issues with something else.

It might be worth checking the Event viewer also. Im pretty certain u can run that in Safe mode. That might give an indication onto what is happening. Are you familiar with using Event viewer?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/docum...


You can also check for spyware. Im pretty certain you can install and run hijackthis in safe mode. Might be worth trying that and having a look.

When u get into windows and can use it, then I suggest u install some system cleaning software. I used to use System Mechanic but now prefer this lightweight tool called CCCleaner. its a free spyware free download. It is useful to tell you what applications are run during startup. If you are unsure about a process then search on google.

nidhi, sorry to correct you, but CC Cleaner does not remove spyware!!! It is a tool which removes i.e. entries inthe registry for components which were removed earlier and frees some hard drive space by deleting temporary files and unused components. I do not see ho wthis can help inhis situation.

Also, Spyware is usually "spying" on keyboard entries and userids and passwords as well as email addresses in teh address book etc. How can this be related to a slow system and hard drive activities? That's no criticism, I just wonder if I can learn something here!

Also a faulty hard disk would also be faulty in save mode!

All the other things you said were already mentioned in my entry!

Cheers

Peter

yes I know. perhaps I phrased it wrong. I meant to say when system cleaning software, not for spyware but for removal of files, examination of startups, keeping/clearing cookies etc.
Its supposed to be a new paragraph and not a continuation of spyware.

For spyware I used xoftspy and avg antispyware

what I was trying to say was when PC is up and running, is to install utils like this to help keep your pc in good health.

I was merely posting comments based on some experiences I have. I dont mean to copy, that was not my intention and certainly couldnt find any mention of event viewer, though I may be mistaken.

I would use a second system download pc doctor for windows run it to check for any hardware issues this is done through a external floppy drive or internal if you have one. If there are no hardware issues. Depending on what version of the OS you have like home or pro you can run the system repair from the cd. Just becareful not to format your drive. start it from the cd then accept the defaults after it gets to the install part it will ask you to install or R for repair. hit R this is a long process and you will have to re-register the OS but it should restore function and not delete your info. Just remember not to format the drive. this will come up aftrer it checks for other versions on the HDD. This is one way that is automated to fix the problem. You can go through the boot logs in the safe mode and look for errors or check and allow each function during the boot process. From what you are saying chances are there is a file or program in the start up process that is corrupt. Are there any error msgs at all?

You could boot in safe mode, install Ad-Aware, run it and event try an antivirus online if you can do it.

If it is not a virus or spyware problem, you could use System Restore (it can be used in safe mode)

It is better to try the simplest things first.

EVEN, sorry.

Alex11, please close this question and distribute the points.
If you didn't get a solution to your problem or your found it yourself, please let the experts know.
Thanks,
Quomon Admin

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