Unnecessary processes XP

[programmernovice]

Is there some way to determine what XP processes can be killed as
unnecessary? I have noticed when woking in different applications (e.
g. Excel) that the machine will not accept input from the mouse or
keyboard for a few seconds, so something is obviouly running in the
background to cause this. Whatever it is, I'd like to eliminate it.
Thanks.

 

[Rich]

Is there some way to determine what XP processes can be killed as
unnecessary? I have noticed when woking in different applications (e.
g. Excel) that the machine will not accept input from the mouse or
keyboard for a few seconds, so something is obviouly running in the
background to cause this. Whatever it is, I'd like to eliminate it.
Thanks.

Look for a program on the net called filemon.exe it will show all running
processes.

Rich

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Is there some way to determine what XP processes can be killed as
unnecessary?

All kind of malware is not really necessary, for instance.

I have noticed when woking in different applications (e.
g. Excel) that the machine will not accept input from the mouse or
keyboard for a few seconds, so something is obviouly running in the
background to cause this. Whatever it is, I'd like to eliminate it.

Start > Run: taskmgr.exe > Process tab

 

[programmernovice]

Thanks. My problem is when I get to taskmgr, how do I know what to
erase? For instance, what is malware and what is not? Thanks again.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Thanks. My problem is when I get to taskmgr, how do I know what to
erase?

Killing that process is the wrong approach since it will return after
reboot. The task manager helps you to find the culprit, that's it. When
found, disable its automatic start.

For instance, what is malware and what is not?

Update your anti-virus and your anti-spyware software and it may or
may not tell you if your system is infested.

 

[Poprivet]

Is there some way to determine what XP processes can be killed as
unnecessary? I have noticed when woking in different applications (e.
g. Excel) that the machine will not accept input from the mouse or
keyboard for a few seconds, so something is obviouly running in the
background to cause this. Whatever it is, I'd like to eliminate it.
Thanks.

Wrong approach: It's unlikely a "process" problem as you described things.

With all RECENTLY updated:
Run chkdsk, all drives.
Run antivirus
Run at least 3 spyware progs
Run Cleanup
Defrag all drives

THEN start looking if the problem is still there.

Pop`

 

[Rock]

Is there some way to determine what XP processes can be killed as
unnecessary? I have noticed when woking in different applications (e.
g. Excel) that the machine will not accept input from the mouse or
keyboard for a few seconds, so something is obviouly running in the
background to cause this. Whatever it is, I'd like to eliminate it.

See what's running in task manager then research them using these sites:

www.google.com
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

 

[Guest]

Go to "The Elder Geek on Windows XP". He lists every process, gives a
definition, and gives suggestions on what you should do.

 

[Guest]

This is likely a resource or a spyware/virus issue. So, the first step is
usually to double check the anti spyware and anti virus apps with other apps
to ensure you're infection free.

Resource issues are difficult to diagnose precisely. The easiest way (as
has been mentioned previously) is to go to the Processes tab of Task Manager
and find out what's using the processor the most when these "lags" occur.
But, often times it won't show in the processes tab because it's affecting
another resource. Some other things to check are the graphs and statistics
in the Performance tab of Task Manager - then move on to the other major
sub-systems in your computer (such as the video card).

Eventually you'll be able to figure out what's causing the lag - and then
you can take steps to correct it. The easiest way is by disabling the
program using it's interface. If not, then disable the startups and services
that it launches.

- John

 

[programmernovice]

This is likely a resource or a spyware/virus issue. So, the first step is
usually to double check the anti spyware and anti virus apps with other apps
to ensure you're infection free.

Resource issues are difficult to diagnose precisely. The easiest way (as
has been mentioned previously) is to go to the Processes tab of Task Manager
and find out what's using the processor the most when these "lags" occur.
But, often times it won't show in the processes tab because it's affecting
another resource. Some other things to check are the graphs and statistics
in the Performance tab of Task Manager - then move on to the other major
sub-systems in your computer (such as the video card).

Eventually you'll be able to figure out what's causing the lag - and then
you can take steps to correct it. The easiest way is by disabling the
program using it's interface. If not, then disable the startups and services
that it launches.

- John

All responses very useful. Thanks to everyone who posted.