Adjusting the Start Up Delay in Windows XP

1. Click on the Windows 'Start' button on the taskbar in the bottom-left corner of the computer display. Select the 'Control Panel' on the 'Start' menu. Choose 'System' from the 'Control Panel.'Alternatively, click 'Run' on the 'Start' menu, and then type the following command: 'sysdm.cpl.' Click the 'OK' button.
2. Choose the 'Advanced' tab.
3. Select 'Settings' in the 'Startup and Recovery' section which opens a second dialog box.
4. Click a check mark in the second box under the 'System startup' section labeled 'Time to display recovery options when needed.'
5. Click the up or down arrow next to the toggle box labeled 'Seconds.' If you want the startup delay to go longer, press the up arrow to increase the seconds above the current setting. Press the down arrow to shorten the startup delay.
6. Click the 'OK' button twice to close both dialog boxes. Restart Windows XP and verify that the time delay changed.