essential ONLY start up programs

[Marcy]

Hi- I know that everyone has different & individual pc needs & such. But, I
would like to know what programs I can set to start up that are of utmost
importance . For ex: I know that firewall, anti virus, security programs are
a must. BUT,which ones should I make sure start to make the pc useable.
So, If I need to use a specific program, then I simply search for it and
open it.
Do I uncheck what I dont want by going into Start>run>msconfig>start up
tab???
ALSO, in that area, Start>run>msconfig>start up, there are old programs that
are unchecked that I dont use anymore (but still show there)---how do I
clear those from the list?
windows xp sp2 home edition-

 

[Curt]

This a great place to start, http://www.windowsstartup.com/ , the apps are
free. I highly recommend Startup Inspector. It lists all programs set to
start with Windows and allows you delete/remove those you do not want
without having to do a system re-start as you would using 'msconfig'. I
really like not having to do a restart. The program is really easy to use.
Once installed and you're online, open the program, click consult. Every
startup program will have an explanation of what it is and does along with
it's status described this way: Unknown, Not Recommended, Not Required,
User's Choice and System Required.

When you highlight a program in the list, all relevant information will
appear at the bottom of the program. You'll also find a Google link to
research any queries you may have.

It does not alert you when a program is placed in the startup registry.
Norton/Symantec SystemWorks used to have a program that did that, maybe
still does. But of course, it's not free. SI does not insert itself into the
startup registry.

HTH,

 

[Nepatsfan]

(e-mail address removed),

Hi- I know that everyone has different & individual pc
needs & such. But, I would like to know what programs I can
set to start up that are of utmost importance . For ex: I
know that firewall, anti virus, security programs are a
must. BUT,which ones should I make sure start to make the pc
useable. So, If I need to use a specific program, then I
simply
search for it and open it.
Do I uncheck what I dont want by going into
Start>run>msconfig>start up tab???
ALSO, in that area, Start>run>msconfig>start up, there are
old programs that are unchecked that I dont use anymore (but
still show there)---how do I clear those from the list?
windows xp sp2 home edition-

First off, the best way to prevent programs from being loaded
at startup is to look for an option within the program that
allows you to turn off this feature. That said, here are a few
resources you might want to look at:

Task List Programs:
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

Startup Applications List:
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Startup Control Panel (download the Standalone EXE version)
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

As for the second part of your question:

Manual removal:
Go to Start -> Run and enter regedit.exe in the Open box.
Click OK.
Navigate to the following registry keys and delete the subkeys
which represent the items you've unchecked in msconfig.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared
Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared
Tools\MSConfig\startupreg

Automated removal:
Go to the following web site and download the script from line
148, right hand side, Clear Disabled Items from Msconfig
Startup and Selective.

Courtesy of Kelly Theriot, MS-MVP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Sharon F]

Hi- I know that everyone has different & individual pc needs & such. But, I
would like to know what programs I can set to start up that are of utmost
importance . For ex: I know that firewall, anti virus, security programs are
a must. BUT,which ones should I make sure start to make the pc useable.
So, If I need to use a specific program, then I simply search for it and
open it.
Do I uncheck what I dont want by going into Start>run>msconfig>start up
tab???
ALSO, in that area, Start>run>msconfig>start up, there are old programs that
are unchecked that I dont use anymore (but still show there)---how do I
clear those from the list?
windows xp sp2 home edition-

PS (to all of the other replies you've received): WinXP is much more robust
than Win9x at handling startup items. Include your antivirus and internet
security programs in startup. Keep things that support the hardware that
you use everyday. Don't be afraid to keep a small assortment of
"convenience items" that you use on a daily basis - programs that are not
essential to the hardware functioning correctly and staying healthy but
programs that are important to *you.*