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I have a problem with my Gateway DX4831-01e desktop computer (1 1/2 years old) which is running Windows 7.
Last week, something happened (I don't know if it was an upgrade or a virus) but Windows 7 (64) started running extremely sluggish. I restarted and it was extremely slow on start up. I can get into Safe mode but it takes a couple of hours to load all. I can still access my hard drive and files there and I can plug devices into my USB ports (to allow backups and to load files for running)
On start up it goes from the Gateway screen to the Bios screen and then starts acting slow. Pressing F8 over and over gets me into Safe mode but it is very slow and during driver loading, it seems to hang up on the ClassPNP.sys file, but it eventually loads all(after an hour or so).
I have tried many things including running System restore and repair and running sfc /scannow (took overnight), removing AVG 2011 free (my virus scanner) and all of the folders that the AVG removal tool didn't remove, and deleting Temp files.
One other strange thing I noticed is that in my Start up programs (I use selective start up) there were three checkboxes for starting up a Java update, and Adobe reader and Adobe acrobat.) I removed all checkboxes but the system gets slow before I even get to the start up files, but it was strange and might point to the cause of the big problem.
My questions are, what is happening between the Bios screen and the driver loading screen that would slow it down? Could it be prefetch or start up file loading? I don't think so because I haven't even gotten to the Safe mode choice screen before the slow down happens.
Should I erase Prefetch or remove and reinstall the button cell battery to reset Bios? Will it ask me for a password on restart that I know I don't have?
Thanks in advance!
Gwen
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
HI,
Gateway should have documentation on installing Windows on a new drive. And
they will sell the installation media cheap, if you need it, since you already own
Windows. Once you have the correct disk the installation is very straight forward.
The Repair Disk you made is not an installation disk.
Hope this helps.
Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right.
You can't hurt anything by pressing the F12 key multiple times. Are you sure its the F12 key? Normally that key just brings up a menu of possible boot devices. I had done a google search on the key to get into BIOS for your PC and one source indicated it was the del key.
Jerry
I cancelled the MS scan since it was only 1/4 of the way through and no errors.
Then I shut down and waited a few minutes and restarted.
It turns out it is the F12 key. I pressed it (only once) when it came up on the screen and it went on to the regular start up screens when I realized regular start up was happening, I did the F8 over and over so I wouldn't have to wait overnight for a regular boot. It's now in it's long stall on CLASSPNP.SYS driver loading. When I finally get into safe mode, I'll try the reboot again. Do I have to press F12 over and over until the BIOS Advanced screen comes up? I just didn't want to press it over and over in case it would mess something else up.
Thanks for your patience.
Gwen
Jerry
Not all computers are accessed by using the Del key. This is a Gateway and it could be the F10 key.
Press Del when starting your computer and you get the initial splash screen to enter the BIOS.
You will have to dig around the various screens to find the option to change the SATA controller mode. If the change works, you do not have to change it back.
By the way, resetting the BIOS will clear any BIOS password set and will not prevent you from getting back in.
Jerry
