computer freezes after startup

[Belle427]

oddly i have 2 computers in the family with the same problem both running xp,they both perform well when running but immediately after starting up they hang on the desktop and will take an age to respond.they usually start to respond a couple of seconds after i double click a desktop icon such as internet explorer or outlook express,it seems to be after the latest windows updates were installed
both systems have been cleared using atf cleaner,malwarebytes etc
any ideas please?

 

[dave.m]

How many programs are set to start at Boot up? It could be that several programs that are not needed, are all trying to start at once.

Go to Start -> Run -> type msconfig in the box and click OK.

In the Startup tab have a look at what is listed to start.
Most of the programs can be unticked, then Apply and OK.

To find out what is starting look at each item in the list and, if not sure, check here.
Put the name in the search box.

You only really need your security programs to run at startup and possibly your graphics software.

Untick all else and Apply -> OK your way out and reboot.

At next bootup, the Configuration window will show, tick the box at the bottom that says 'Do not show again'.

Then see if that cures the 'freezing'.