For faster WinXP shut down and subsequent boot up, use the "Hibernate" shut down selection when you shut down your computer.

What the "Hibernate" shut down option does is save your session to disk so that you can safely turn off power. Your session is restored the next time that you start up Windows.

How to use "Hibernate":

Click on "start".

.....The Start menu appears.

Click on the "Shut Down" button.

..... The "Turn off computer menu" appears with the usual options of "Standby", "Turn off" and
..... "Restart" buttons.

Depress the "Shift" key

..... The label of the "Standby" button changes to "Hibernate"

With the "Shift" key depressed, click on the "Hibernate" button.

..... The computer will shut down taking less time to do so than the normal shut down.

When you turn your computer back on to start it up, the boot time will be shorter in duration and the session running prior to shutting down will be active.

Taking the usual precaution to save your work before shutting down is a good idea.

Try it!