Search For Network Folders And Printers
Each time Windows is started it automatically searches for shared folders and files on your harddisc drive. This takes some time but is not necessary for your system to work. You can disable this features to decrease Windows boot time.
Double-click on "My Computer" and from the menu select "Tools" -> "Folder Options...". Click on the "View" tab to see the following screen:
Uncheck the box "Automatically search for network folders and printers" and click "Apply". Close the window by pressing "OK".
Now Windows XP will boot somewhat faster.