Best free startup managers
Hidden trap with USB keyboards
Subscriber Callie Jordan writes:
"Gizmo I had to call Microsoft about installing XP SP3 and they had me do it in Safe Mode. They sent me detailed step-by-step instructions about pressing F8 before Windows loads to enter Safe Mode.
But no matter how many times I tried, I couldn't get into Safe Mode. Then I realized the problem was I was using a USB keyboard. I'd struck this before: USB and of course, wireless keyboards, won't work until Window loads their drivers. So my presses on F8 were not registering.
So I dragged out another keyboard that used a PS2 plug and it worked first time."
That's an interesting problem, Callie, however it's not a problem with all PCs with USB keyboards: some will boot into Safe Mode just fine.
It all depends on the BIOS setup on your PC and unfortunately there is no easy way of telling whether it will work other than by trying it.
There is, however, another completely reliable way of booting into Safe Mode and that's by using the MSConfig Utility. This tip is not only useful getting problem USB keyboards into Safe Mode but also for folks who have trouble getting their timing right when pressing the F8 key during the boot sequence.
Press Start/Run and type msconfig into the run box and press Enter. When MSConfig starts, click the BOOT.TAB and put a check mark against /SAFEBOOT. Next time you boot, Windows will automatically start in Safe mode without any need to press F8. Remember later to take out the check mark otherwise your PC will always boot in Safe Mode.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560Better manage Windows startup
Startup Delayer is a free utility that allows you to speed up your Windows startup by delaying the startup of non essential programs until Windows has loaded. The idea is quite sound. At startup many application programs try to run in a short period of time and in the process push your CPU to the limit. By delaying the onset of non-essential programs, resources are freed and thus Windows itself can start more quickly. That means your desktop comes up quicker and you can get on with your work with less delay. I tried it on my PC and managed to reduce the time for the desktop to be usable from 85 seconds to around 65 seconds. Not a lot but worthwhile if you reboot often. Thanks to subscriber Steven Hodge for the suggestion. Freeware, Windows 98->XP, 1.1MB
http://www.r2.com.au/software.php?page=2&show=startdelay