Previously, my Windows Vista desktop computer, connected to Virgins 30 MB broadband service, took around 40 seconds to boot up. I recently upgraded to Virgin's Super Hub 2 and a new modem was supplied. The boot up time increased to 1 minute and 40 seconds and has been so ever since. Otherwise the computer works fine. Why is my computer now taking longer to boot-up?

Glynne Harrison, by email

The new modem is the prime suspect but the slow down could also be due to a recently installed program. This is easy to check, though and if the computer boots in less than a minute, with the modem disconnected then the problem may lie with the new modems DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which is taking longer than normal to assign the computer its IP (Internet Protocol) address. If so it may be a fault and this model has had its fair share of issues, but if you know your way around Windows you can try a simple workaround, before contacting Virgin. The idea is to give your computer an unchanging or static IP address. The procedure is basically the same for all version of Windows and in Vista the simplest method is right-click Network on the Start menu and click Properties. In Network and Sharing Centre, select Manage Network Connections, right-click on your network adaptor and select Properties. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/Ipv4) and click Properties. Select Use the following IP Address. Enter an IP address that is well outside the range of any other devices you may have on your network; 192.168.0 20 is a fairly safe bet. The Subnet Mast should be 255.255.255.0 and the Default Gateway for Virgin hubs is normally 192.168.0.1 but check the label on the modem just in case. Click OK and reboot the computer and see if that makes a difference.

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Why does my computer take so long to boot?