Windows XP Improving Windows XP startup

[ruddgeo]

Is it possible to configure windows so that only it and the security software start up on boot? I have tried the msconfig route but get lost because I don't know what most of the programmes do. Is there a site that gives an explanation of these?

 

[Ian]

If you google the filenames you can probably find out what they are. Our startup files database will also contain many of the entries : https://www.pcreview.co.uk/startup

I've seen some computers with 10+ surplus entries in msconfig which simply aren't needed (often for things like quicktime etc...).

 

[muckshifter]

Only use MSCONFIG to "see" what is there, it is NOT recommended you use it to remove startup programs ... in essence it's a diagnostic tool.

Uninstall any program in your "start-up folder" you do not require, simply drag-n-drop others that you do not need to startup to anywhere you like.

 

[Abarbarian]

http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2009/07/06/2-free-tuneup-utilities-2008-product-key/

The above will help you I'm sure.

 

[ruddgeo]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I shall be spending some time on this before I can report back on my success. I seem to remember way back in my early computer days in the 70s that one could start a computer with the operating system alone and then load and unload individual programmes as they were needed. Is this still possible because some days I only need Word and Excel, whereas others I'm just on the internet.

 

[Madxgraphics]

Why not try something like nLite to make a slimline XP. I used it for my XP laptop. Got rid of a tonne of crap that is not needed, and now it boots up in seconds....

 

[dcso174]

I'm a new user so please forgive me if I'm going about this wrong. I took your advice and checked each file name and unchecked the box of programs not needed. When I clicked apply a box opened that said I didn't have administrative powers. It's my computer and nobody else uses it. Can you help me as my boot up time is extensive. Thank You