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Sophos Anti-Virus for Windows 2000+: Windows 2000 and Windows XP computers hang on startup

This product is nearing retirement. We strongly recommend that you upgrade in order to ensure your protection stays fully up to date.

Note: This issue has been fixed in Sophos Anti-Virus version 5.0.5 and above. Ensure that your anti-virus software is up to date.

A number of customers have reported that after installing Sophos Anti-Virus version 5.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP computers in a domain may hang for 30 minutes, or more, at startup before being able to log on, displaying the message "preparing network connections".

If the network cable is removed from the back of the affected computer, it boots immediately. Also, if the folder C:\windows\system32 is excluded from on-access scanning, or the on-access scanner is turned off, the computer will boot immediately.

Note: A conflict with Microsoft Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4 may also affect logon speeds.

What to do

Upgrade to the most recent version of Sophos Anti-Virus.

If problems persist, exclude the following files from on-access scanning at the Enterprise Console or locally.

Windows XP/2003

Windows 2000

If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.