Have you tried using bootvis also to optimize your boot files? It really has shaved loads of time off my startup in XP. http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=664 <-- DL here. Now, install and run it. The opening screen is simple, and blank. To start... STEP 1 - Ensure all of the tickboxes on the left are ticked STEP 2 - Click on the Trace menu at the top, and choose Next Boot + Driver Delays STEP 3 - Click OK then the Reboot Now button. When your computer restarts, do not click on anything until BootVis opens and closes (wait around 1 minute). STEP 4 - When it has appeared and gone, re-open BootVis. STEP 5 - Click on the Trace menu at the top again, and choose Optimise System. STEP 6 - Click Reboot Now, and when your computer restarts, do not click on anything until BootVis opens and shows a small window explaining what it's doing. It has finished when the box closes. STEP 7 - Redo step 3 to see your new boottime! All done! Your computer will now bootup (and hopefully shutdown!) quicker.