REVIEW OF HOW TO MANAGE PROGRAMS RUNNING IN
THE BACKGROUND
Sources:
http://scscc.com/bkk/Startup,%20Manage%20Programs%20that%20Run%20at.pdf
Problem
Poor performance of PC because of programs auto-running in start-up that are unnecessary
May be the result of spyware
Beware of software that you download installing by default in start-up i.e. pay close attention to
the EULA; choose no if you spot items like look for things like "Run at startup,"
All use portion of system memory> smaller % for other programs once opened
Startup items can be hidden in one of five areas on your PC
Note the icons in the notification area; right click proper options
Use Task Manager to evaluate memory usage
If necessary, uninstall and reinstall programs for the option re startup
First Place to Look: msconfig
Start; Run; type msconfig; Startup tab; deselect
These links will provide you with an up-to-date list of all the programs (and their
descriptions) that might be operating in the background. We are talking about over
11,000 possibilities!
a. Startup Applications List from Answers that Work
b. Startup Applications List
(http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php)
c. Castle Cops Startup List
(http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html)
Second Place to Look:
Right click Start; Explore; All Programs; Startup folder
If the offending program is in that file folder, delete it. (deletes the shortcut only, so you will not
be deleting the actual program.)
Third Place to Look:
Windows Explorer; C; Documents and Settings; All Users; Start menu; Programs; Startup folder
If the offending program is in that file folder, just delete it. (This action deletes the shortcut only,
so you will not be deleting the actual program.)
Fourth Place to Look
Don t go here unless you are very comfortable with
your computing skills. A mistake in dealing with the registry could cause your system to
become inoperable! BEFORE YOU CHANGE ANYTHING IN THE REGISTRY,
CREATE A BACKUP COPY OF THE REGISTRY OR ESTABLISH A SYSTEM
RESTORE POINT!
Click on the Start; Run; regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER> Software> Microsoft> Windows> CurrentVersion> Run> Scroll
through the pane on the right. One line should show the file name of the offending program.
Highlight the line in question and press <delete>.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. The program
will no longer run at startup.
Fifth Place to Look
Same warning re Registry!
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE> Software> Microsoft> Windows> CurrentVersion> Run. Scroll
through the pane on the right. One line should show the file name of the offending program.
Highlight the line in question and press <delete>.
Alternative to Looking in Registry
1. StartupRun http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/strun.html
Displays the list of applications that are launched automatically when
Windows boots. For each application, additional information is displayed in order to allow
you to easily identify the applications that are loaded at Windows startup. If StartupRun
identifies a spyware or adware program that runs at startup, it automatically highlights it
in pink color. In addition, you are allowed to edit, disable, enable and delete the selected
startup entries. You can also save the list of startup items into a text or HTML file.
2. Autoruns http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Autoruns.html
Shows you what programs are running "in the background" during system bootup. These
programs include ones in your startup folder, msconfig, and other Registry keys. There
are a lot of programs running at startup. You will be able to see how much you can increase
the speed of your boot up time. Always backup first before making changes. Autoruns works
on all versions of Windows.
Another good freebie re Startup control
StartupMonitor www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml)
Lets you know when any application secretly tries to register itself when you start up your
computer. You won't have to worry about your Notification Area (System Tray) getting cluttered
and the utility also protects your system from Trojan horses. After you download the small file,
the utility runs transparently. You won't know it's there until a program attempts to register.
Then a screen pops up on your Desktop that gives you the option of accepting or refusing the
change to your system startup. Less-than-reputable programmers try to sneak in secret
applications you don't want along with the program you download. With Startup-Monitor,
you'll have the power to keep them out. That's why this little utility is a huge help.
GET
READY FOR WINDOWS VISTA
Kim Komando s suggestions:
First, I recommend a 64-bit microprocessor. In the past, I've advised people not to jump on the
64-bit bandwagon. But, if you're looking ahead to Vista, go for it. Vista will be able to take
advantage
of these advanced chips. And by next year, your other software will,
too.
Don't skimp on RAM. I recommend 1 gigabyte.
A DVD drive is also essential. Buy one that records discs compatible with your home
entertainment
center.
Finally, you need a strong video card. I'd get one with 128 megabytes of RAM.