SG Broadband Community

I apologize for asking a simple question, but here it is:
DW's computer (Toshiba notebook) running XP Home has started taking 15 min or more to load Windows XP. It loads up to the wallpaper screen, but shows no icons on desktop, no Start button, just a pretty picture for about 15 min. Then it loads the icons etc and runs fine.
What I've done:
System Restore--did not help
Scan with SpyBot--found problems and removed but did not help
Scan with anti virus software--no problems and no help
Push f8 to start in safe mode--windows loads without recognizing the f8 request
Any ideas?

Probably get better help in the software forum, but how about start-run-msconfig and see what you have loading in startup?

Run malwarebytes and super antispyware as well.

Once loaded is it sluggish?

YARDofSTUF wrote:Run malwarebytes and super antispyware as well.

Once loaded is it sluggish?

yeah sounds like its infected causing explorer to not load up properly.

Something is starting up with Windows and slowing it down. MSCONFIG to see what's running and disable what you don't need, or is suspicious. Also go into registry RUN key and remove programs at system run that are unneeded.

It's got hidden spyware on it. You may well have to format and reinstall the OS.