WinME System Restore - 30-Minute Startup [Archive]

markcspin

January 18th, 2004, 10:08 PM

I had to do a system restore for WinME. I used the System Restore CDs that came with the PC. Everything was restored, but when I reboot, I get the Me screen and the beginnings of the desktop background, but then a small box with two folders with animated files flowing from right to left between the folders appears. The message below the animation says "Preparing your system...this will take a few minutes." 'Few minutes' is an understatement. It takes 30 minutes, then the password, desktop screens as normal. Anyone know what's going on and how to correct this? Thanks!

GretaP

January 18th, 2004, 11:40 PM

Hi markcspin,
Look for a file in the C:\Windows folder called wininit.ini and rename this file to wininit.old
If this is an HP computer, the file will be called Launch.ini and you could rename it to Launch.old

markcspin

January 18th, 2004, 11:41 PM

Hi markcspin,
Look for a file in the C:\Windows folder called wininit.ini and rename this file to wininit.old
If this is an HP computer, the file will be called Launch.ini and you could rename it to Launch.old

Thanks...this is an HP computer.

GretaP

January 18th, 2004, 11:42 PM

You're welcome. Please let me know if renaming that file solves the problem!

markcspin

January 18th, 2004, 11:47 PM

Hi markcspin,
Look for a file in the C:\Windows folder called wininit.ini and rename this file to wininit.old
If this is an HP computer, the file will be called Launch.ini and you could rename it to Launch.old
I did a full explorer and manual search and don't see any files by that exact name...????

dammit

January 18th, 2004, 11:54 PM

Go to control panel>folder options> check hidden files and folders ;)

markcspin

January 19th, 2004, 12:58 AM

Go to control panel>folder options> check hidden files and folders ;)
Enabled hidden folders....still no wininit.ini or launch.ini...???

markcspin

January 19th, 2004, 01:09 AM

Enabled hidden folders....still no wininit.ini or launch.ini...???
Hey guys...I found launch.ini in the WINDOWS/SYSTEM folder. Not sure why it didn't show up the search??? At any rate, I changed it to .OLD and the reboot was immediate. Thanks for the help...much appreciated.

GretaP

January 19th, 2004, 01:12 AM

I was just about to post another possible reason why your system was getting stuck at "Preparing your system.........", but I see you found the launch.ini file. Sorry, I thought it was in the C:\Windows folder. At any rate, I'm glad you found it, renamed it, and that this seems to have solved the problem :D