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Community Newsletter: Q&A: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background?
- 9/25/08 12:59 PM
hi
by dj_swimp - 9/21/08 7:34 AM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
ok you want to disable unnecessary programs running in your PC's background.Just go to run write there msconfig will appeare a window go to Start up and uncheck the progreams you don't need:
Run->Msconfig->Start up i'll give you some prints 
http://fisierulmeu.ro/20CBTIWM25DL/printforu-rar.html after cliking this link just search the "Download fisier".Have a good day.
How do I disable unncessary programs
by Ron3462 - 9/21/08 9:15 AM In reply to: hi by dj_swimpGreetings:
If the pc user is new &/or a novice, the last thing they should do is use msconfig to either disable &/or delete programs. My recommendation is to use WinPatrol Plus.
As many of you are aware, WinPatrol places a dog like icon called Scotty on the system tray & when double-clicked, the program "barks" & then enables. The program shows all system start up programs along with other tabs reflecting file types, active tasks, cookies & active x among others.
The Plus version has a tab called "info." When a program is highlighted & the info tab is enabled, a browser opens with detailed & concise information pertaining to that particular program & whether or not it needs to be there or if it can be disabled or deleted. The deleted function does not delete the program off the hard drive, it just eliminates it from the start up menu.
WinPatrol Plus is phenomenal in that new versions are released reflecting the most recent programs that are out there. If a program is not in WinPatrol's library, the browser states that the program is now in the database & will be researched as soon as possible
Lastly, the most recent version of Winpatrol Plus as of this blog is 15.9.2008.0.
I hope this blog helps.
Comments are welcome.
Regards
WinPatrol
by benaloy - 9/21/08 7:30 PM In reply to: How do I disable unncessary programs by Ron3462Hello Ron, Thank for your thoughtful information. The WinPatrol is downloaded.
Could you please tell me how I go about reading the programs that baffles understanding of most users.
Thank you, benaloy
Delete unwanted entries from registry to speed up startup
by pabom - 9/21/08 3:40 PM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you are comfortable working with registry then you could browse down to following location and delete the unwanted entries.
This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry click on the following link : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756
1. Click start->type "regedit" without quote in the start search and hit enter. For Windows XP Click start->Click run->Type "regedit" without quote and hit enter.It should open registry editor.
Browse to following location:
HKeyCurrentUser\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. In the right pane it should show of the startup items. Except for default Key you could delete the one which you do not want to start during startup. I usually delete all of them except for Default. Since most of the startup items are shortcut for the programs which is already installed on your computer. Anyway you have the backup of the registry if something goes wrong.
2. Once done Browse to the second location:
HKeyLocalMachine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and do the same thing.
Browse to following location for some more startup itmes.
Click start->all programs->start up and delete what ever is listed in startup.
3. Try deleting temporary files from the following location. Click start->type %temp% in start search or run box defending on the version of Windows you have an hit enter. Delete all the temporary files from location. You have problem deleting some of them you can skip that file.
Similarly type "temp" and "prefetch" hit enter. Deleted all the temporary and prefetch files.
4. Browse to safety.live.com and run a complete scan of your computer. This might take out malicious trojan and also fix the corrupt registry.
Restart the computer once done and hope it helps you.
Deleting un-necessary files
by Ron3462 - 9/21/08 4:15 PM In reply to: Delete unwanted entries from registry to speed up startup by pabomGreetings:
I wouldn't recommend anyone edit the registry by using regedit unless they are a expert or a pretty tech savy user. Again, WinPatrol Plus is a real good, all around program for all users including novice & beginners.
Comments are welcome.
How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s bac
by les haworth - 9/21/08 6:03 PM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is a section fron Microsoft's XP inside out Book. on page 227 chapter 7.published by Microsoft
about using msconfig only as a troubleing tool . I again recomend using winpatrol to control startup programs ____________________________________________________________________________
Windows XP includes a System Configuration Utility, Msconfig.exe, which allows you to see all programs that are running at startup. Although it resembles the Windows 98/Me utility of the same name, it adds important features not found in those operating systems. For Windows 2000 users, it is a completely new addition. To start the System Configuration Utility, type msconfig at any command prompt.
Figure 7-9 shows the System Configuration Utility's Startup tab, which lists each startup item, the name and full path of the command used to start that item, and the location of the startup entry.
Figure 7-9. To stop a program from starting up automatically, clear the check box next to its entry.
The Startup tab of the System Configuration Utility is intended for use as a troubleshooting tool. By clicking the Disable All button, you can clear every check box in thelist, preventing Windows from starting any programs automatically at startup; then, through an iterative process of restoring one or two programs at a time to the list, you can restart and see which one is causing a particular problem.
To test whether it's safe to remove a single program from the list of those that start automatically with Windows, clear the check box to the left of the program's name on the System Configuration Utility's Startup tab and restart. After verifying that your system works properly without that program starting automatically, you can safely remove it, following these guidelines:
Look first for an option in the program itself. Most programs that start automatically allow you to change this behavior by clearing a check box in an Options or Preferences dialog box. It might take some digging around, but this is always the preferred option.
Remove the program shortcut from the Startup folder. This option is the preferred technique for preventing a program from starting up automatically; it won't work if the auto-start option is set in the registry. You can move the shortcut to another location if you think you might want to restore it later.
As a last resort, edit the registry manually. This technique is messy, risky, and not always successful; some particularly persistent programs restore the startup values in the registry the next time you run the program itself.
tip - Get a more powerful startup manager
Although the System Configuration Utility is a priceless troubleshooting tool, it's lacking a few features. For instance, although you can disable a shortcut or registry entry using the System Configuration Utility, this utility won't allow you to permanently remove entries from your startup configuration or to choose from a menu of startup configurations each time you begin working with Windows. Fortunately, a quick search on the Web can help you find several useful free alternatives. Our favorites are Startup Control Panel, written by Mike Lin and available at http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml, and Startup Cop, written by Neil J. Rubenking and available at http://www.pcmag.com/utilities.
No matter how you choose to control programs that auto-start, resist the temptation to use the System Configuration Utility as a permanent startup manager. Doing so impairs its ability to work effectively as a troubleshooting tool; if you experience a startup problem, you'll have to keep careful records to tell which programs have been disabled for troubleshooting purposes and which should be permanently shut down. In addition, using the System Configuration Utility causes the dialog box shown here to appear the next time you start your computer; after you click OK, the System Configuration Utility opens.
If you used the utility for troubleshooting and you've successfully resolved the issue you were testing, choose the Normal Startup option and click OK to close the System Configuration Utility. The next time you start your computer, it will run through its complete startup routine and all the options you cleared will be enabled again.
If you choose to use the System Configuration Utility as a startup manager, disable the warning dialog box to avoid accidentally restoring the full startup configuration. After restarting your computer, select the Don't Show This Message Or Launch The System Configuration Utility When Windows Starts check box and then click OK. The startup options you disabled using the System Configuration Utility remain disabled until you restore them. If you open the System Configuration Utility without making changes, you must click Cancel to close it, or it will prompt you to restart your computer.
TO LESS FROM GEO -
by GEO2003 - 9/22/08 12:02 AM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s bac by les haworthI agree with your post, excelent information.
However, Starup Cop is great but you have to pay for it while the utility I suggested REVO Uninstaller is free and does what Starup Cop does and a lot more in one package.
In addition if you read my post to Kate, MSCONFIG should not be used as the application of choice to disable applications since introduces additional steps in the loading process there by increasing the time to boot and slowing the pc.
I tested MSCONFIG, and others but since REVO Uninstaller offes a Great Uninstaller module and a Starup Manager which allows you to Google the enties, all in one package.
Once the entry is disable by REVO at the register Setting by changing the bit to zero=no or one=yes.
Revo gets out of the way while MSCONFIG does not.
Thaks for posting such great information from your book.
Geo
FOLLOW GEORGE'S RECOMMENDATIONS, HE'S A GREAT TEACHER
by Harlans daughter - 9/22/08 12:35 PM In reply to: TO LESS FROM GEO - by GEO2003I would just like to say that George (Geo2003) has been my teacher within numerous computer areas, and that I trust his knowledge very very much. He has not lead me astray at all, and his recommendations have made my computer experiences much easier.
Because of his recommendations, I have downloaded the FREE REVO and the FREE CCLEANER programs, and I have used them both with no problems what so ever. I use Ccleaner numerous times every day.
Both Ccleaner and Revo are both excellent programs, they are free, and they are easy to use. I would highly recommend these programs to anyone. And I would not hesitate to have George as my teacher in any area of computing... thank you George!
DON'T USE MSCONFIG
by GEO2003 - 9/21/08 11:45 PM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Kate,
I am not trying to put Leo's advise down here, I want to make that very clear, he seems to be a good person and interested in helping people and having member's help each other.
I only read a few comments about what to do and yes they may be very helpul since they know this applications.
Leo pointed out that you should get familiar with your operating system and the computer overall.
This is great advise, but I don't agree with his comment of testing things with MSCONFIG.
Leo if you are reading this, please don't be insulted.
Windows Vista or XP create a file called BOOT.INI, this file includes all the appliations and drivers that start with windows.
If everything is working fine, Windows refers to the boot file to load everything you need and want.
I am telling you not to use MSCONFIG, TO DISABLE APPLICATIONS, as the application of choice.
The MSCONFIG, is mostly use for examining/determining a possible conflict occuring withing your operating system and applications.
Because it only disable the application temporarily.
After Vista is finished installing it creates this boot file.
And there after it uses this file because it knows from the file that the last boot time was error free.
Hence from that point on it will update the file as necessary and continue to refer to it for booting.
However, using MSCONFIG introduces yet another step on the boot process.
Windows refers to the boot file first, loads what ever it needs from there and then refers to the MSCONFIG APPLICATION, to determine what you have manually disable.
From experience I know that the boot process slows down in this manner.
Because the application you disable, is being disable manually by MSCONFIG, as supposed to changing the register.
What I mean by this is that the register holds all the applications, path where the applications are located and many other settings.
The register has different KEY WORDS and yes I am forgetting about the other techinal term for the settings.
As an example
Applicatiion X loads at start up - value on register = (1)YES
Applicatiion X Does not load at star up - Value on register = (0)NO
MSCONFIG does not change this values, it just act as intermidiary between Windows, the Boot file and the Register.
Because of this additional steps in using MSCONFIG, you are in essece slowing your pc down.
Some member have suggested Ccleaner, but while Ccleaner is excellent at cleaning your pc, it does not give you the option to Google the star up application executable.
I can't say that other applications mentioned here work the way members stated.
But they should clariy for you if those mentioned allow you to search directly from the entry for what that applications is needed.
Since I know that they are trying to help you, I can't comment on their application nor do I mean to come accross as stating that they don't know what they are doing or using.
In my experience, the best applications to use that allows you to see your start up applications and by right clicking on each entry allows you to sear the internet for information on what they are and what they do, is REVO UNINSTALLER.
As the name implies, it has one increadible module called Uninstaller and one Called Tools.
The Uninstaller is amazing at tracking down left over entries that you would normally not see being left behing by the an application that you uninstall for what ever reasons.
As an example.
Java, everytime a new version comes up, I unintall the old one and installed the new one clean.
By doing he uninstalled with REVO, I was able to see that java left 1200 entries on my register, and about 200 folders.
REVO gave me the option to delete those absolete entries, keeping my register clean.
An application should never left this many traces behind.
But this is not a perfect world.
The Tools TAB,
This is where you would find the Start Manaager, as you click on the big blue botton, you should be able to see everything that starts together with windows.
All entries will be checkmarked.
Do not uncheck any.
Instead put your mouse over it which will highlight it, right click on it and you will see several options.
One of them will be the one that allows you to Google it to lear more about it.
If after reading this info, you decide you don't needed, all you have to do is un-check the box.
This is where the differences lye between MSCONFIG AND REVO.
Revo changes the bit information at the register level, to a Zero for the application you are un-checking and then it gets out of the way.
It does not load with windows to maintain track of what you have un-checked.
Hence REVO does not introduce delays or acts as intermediary.
It just changes the Register bit, and says my job is done here.
If you decide that it is an application you don't use, need and want to get rid off.
REVO comes to the resque here too.
All you have to do is Be on the Uninstaller Window which is the first windows that opens when you start Revo.
Double click on the name of the application you want to uninstall, select Advance at the bottom of the windows that opens.
Revo looks for the application uninstall file, it uses that first, the application itself may prompt you if you really want to uninstall the application.
yes,
Revo now proceeds to allow the application to uninstall, but at the same time tracking the application process so that Revo knows what to look for at then end of the installation.
Be carefull here.
When Revo lets the application uninstall file to do the job, Revo is tracking this, but the application itself may give you a prompt instructing you that it has finished and you need to REBOOT YOUR PC.
You should Say NO TO THIS PROMPT.
If you say yes the REVO TRACKING WILL BE TERMINATED AND WHAT EVER THE PROGRAM LEFT BEHING, WILL STAY ON YOUR PC, IT CANNOT BE RETRACE BY REVO OR ANY OTHER APPLICATION, since there is no uninstall file to track.
When you say no, Revo continues to check every possible trace from the program.
Then when the green bar finishes it will give you an option to delet entries on the register.
It is very save but read carefully, you SHOULD ONLY SELECT THE ENTRIES IN BOLD TEXT, if it finds more, it will show them to you but sometimes you have to click on the + sign to open the tree to get down to the bold text entry.
After you select all the BOLD text entries, you delete, click yes to the prompt, and Revo goes on to the next window which now will/ or probably not left over folders from any application.
Select all the folders here and delet them.
Everytime you uninstall an application you should reboot your pc.
Then run Ccleaner to clean it.
Get familiar with CCleaner, it is FREE AT www.piriform.com, and it also has a feture to clean the register from entries that are missed or not touch by a program like REVO.
REVO= FANTASTIC UNINSTALLER AND STARUP MANANER PROGRAM.
CCLEANER = FANTASTIC CLEANER OF TEMP/COOKIES/FILES, AND great at cleaning the Register, for ActiveX Controls no longer in use, left over entries.
You can Download both from Cnet Downlaod.com
REVO Ver. shoudl be 1.7.1.0 or grater if I remember correctly.
CCleaner Ver 2.11.206 or higher.
Hope this helps.
Geo
TO KATE FROM GEO- DON'T USE MSCONFIG.
by GEO2003 - 9/22/08 12:17 AM In reply to: DON'T USE MSCONFIG by GEO2003Kate,
I FORGOT TO MENTION ONE MORE THING.
After reading and deciding what you want to try, please remember you should use only one application to track all the applications you don't want loaded with windows.
Don't use more then one because it will get confusing.
And please Don't use MSCONFIG AS YOUR CHOICE..
KATE FROM GEO - 2 ITEM I FORGET
by GEO2003 - 9/22/08 12:27 AM In reply to: TO KATE FROM GEO- DON'T USE MSCONFIG. by GEO2003Since I am expressing my opinion about how well and easy to use REVO is.
I have to also mentioned, that Revo does not delete the start up entry from the register, it just disable it.
This is important because some members have giving you instructions to disable it manually at the register setting.
If you forget where the entry is , being that the register is very large, you won't be able to turn it back on.
If you delet it from the register, the entry will no longer be available and if at some point down the line you wanted to use the program the program won't run no matter what you do.
The only solution to this would be to uninstall the application and reinstall it so that the entry in the register is recreated.
Therefore, REVO is more flexible, and easier to interface between you and your computer, it leaves the entry on the register, it turns it off and Revo gets out of the way.
To use the program again, just launch REVO re-check the application entry and you are done. Ready for you to use and once again Revo get's out of the way.
Sorry I keep forgetting little details.
Geo
Try this dear.
by asiatazfree - 9/22/08 1:04 PM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
ccleaner can help but when you dont need certain programs. you may also try checking you os hard disk space available...this can b a problem if not enough space is left for the os operations then Uninstall some progs to create space.Asiata
Disable programs from starting.
by cliffl - 9/22/08 1:36 PM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There is a wonderful free program called Winpatrol from Bill P Studios, which will allow you to do just this and a lot more.
Just go to www.winpatrol.com and download the free program.
There is a paid for version which does a lot more.
I have been using this program for a few years now and its brilliant.
Cliff UK
select the program
by oniot_sairud - 9/23/08 4:22 AM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
go to start menu and then click the run icon and after type the word msconfig then press ok then go to the start up menu..disable all the programs running and after just select the program u want to run in your pc..then restart your computer..
AMAZED AT RESPONSES!
by bdaleday - 9/23/08 10:22 AM In reply to: How do I disable unnecessary programs running in my PC’s background? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Where in the world do all you people find the time to babble on and on about obscure detail... and even insult each other?!?! It doesn't seem to matter if you're right or wrong... you just need to be heard!! WOW!! Get a Life! And while you're at it, learn to spell and write a complete sentence.
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