System Performance Slow When Windows 95 Starts the First Time

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows 95 on a computer with a Plug and Play system ROM BIOS, system performance is unusually slow after Windows 95 starts for the first time. If you check the File System line in the System Properties dialog box, you see that one or more drives are using MS-DOS Compatibility Mode.

NOTE: To check the File System line, follow these steps:

1. Using the right mouse button, click My Computer, and then click Properties on the menu that appears.

2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Performance tab, and under Performance status, locate the File System line.

CAUSE

When configuring Plug and Play hard disk controllers, Windows 95 must access the devices in real mode. Once the devices have been fully configured after Windows 95 starts for the first time, protected-mode drivers are loaded for compatible hard disk controllers, and performance returns to normal.

RESOLUTION

If you are not prompted to restart your computer after Windows 95 starts for the first time and finishes the configuration process, restart your computer to ensure that all appropriate protected-mode disk drivers are loaded.