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Windows XP has a Prefetcher component, which shortens
the amount of time it takes to start Windows and programs. When trouble
shooting either Windows or program start-up issues, it might be helpful
to disable the prefetcher, because it runs as a background service while
other applications are running or loading.
One of the hidden features in Windows XP (only) is the
prefetcher. It, quite simply, works to speed up the launch of applications
by loading them before you access them. It primarily works by loading
startup programs during the time windows is still booting so that when
you enter your password, everything loads quickly. It also keeps a record
of all programs launched and how much they are used to aid in allocating
how much prefetching to which program.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not responsible for
making windows boot as fast as it does. In fact, the prefetcher only makes
that it longer, since with the prefetcher activated it uses that period
of time to load the other stuff that's going to load. But this is still
a good thing, as it is annoying to continue waiting for stuff to load
after you enter your password. The prefetcher works to take all the loading
to the windows boot logo stage to make everything else that requires your
interaction faster.
The prefetcher has a file for each program that you run
that, in part, records the amount of use. Logically, programs that are
loaded often are prefetched more than programs that are not.
The prefetch files are located in %windir%\prefetch. That's
C:\windows\prefetch for those who don't know. If you opened it now you
would see a whole bunch of .pf files and one layout.ini file. All the
.pf files are individual recoards of each program. The layout.ini file
is a consolidation of all those programs and what they typically access,
in order of priority. | 
