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Question

Windows 7 takes over an hour to boot and won't defrag

Jul 24, 2016 7:37PM PDT

I've removed several anti-spyware programs thinking that was the problem. I've tried to defrag but the program won't run it just says running 0% analyzed. What tips does anyone have to do? I can access the internet but it takes a looooong time to do anything. Asus motherboard build 1706. I can provide additional info just let me know what and how.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
additional info:
Jul 24, 2016 7:55PM PDT

I have no restore points. I've looked at task manager but that is overwhelming and it appears that the CPU is not being overworked.

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Answer
Stop. Do not defrag.
Jul 24, 2016 7:56PM PDT

When a machine is doing this you may lose all that is on the HDD by defrag. Defrag is not a repair tool. Good way to spot a so-so tech.

I'd perform a full backup and then take the Windows 10 upgrade to see if that blows it out. Easier than starting from scratch.

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Thanks.
Jul 27, 2016 7:37AM PDT

I won't defrag. I will back up all my important data. I will try Windows 10

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Answer
Boot
Jul 24, 2016 8:43PM PDT

Boot into safe mode....should take 30 seconds or less.
If that works start defrag and click on the analyze button.
If that works use msconfig/startup and untick everything.
Boot to normal mode.

I'll assume you have good backups just in case this gets ugly.
Factory restore media if that applies.

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Tried to boot in safe mode
Jul 27, 2016 7:40AM PDT

Safe mode wouldn't boot. Just froze up. Booted normally (took forever) and now I'm moving all my important data to an SD card. After that, any other ideas besides upgrading to Windows 10?

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Can I msconfig in normal mode?
Jul 27, 2016 7:42AM PDT

Can I go to msconfig/startup in normal mode and until everything? Or is that a no-no?

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Re: msconfig
Jul 27, 2016 7:55AM PDT

Uncheck everything (including your antivirus) is a bad idea. And it's unlikely to help. Since you have only 1 or 2 days left to upgrade to Windows 10, better try that first.

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Yes
Jul 27, 2016 3:51PM PDT

Yes you can use msconfig in normal mode but since you can't boot to safe mode I suspect you have deeper problems.

The first thing you want to do is backup all your stuff.
Gather up everything that will be needed to restore w7.
If the machine allows create factory restore media.
If you want to try the w10 upgrade go for it.

If it works fine if it does not work you'll be sitting there with everything needed to restore w7 and your stuff.