Start Up

[Gambler]

I have Windows XP. My start up time is over 5 min. I go into Start--Run--Type in MSCONFIG--then click on Start Up. I have everything in there checked. I have a note that said most things in there should be unchecked. Does anyone know what things need to be checked, if any?
Thanks
ed

[njcurveball]

For starters,

Leave all the items running from your Windows directory checked.

If you have Virus and Spyware checkers, leave all of them checked.

Now it gets a bit tricky, since some of the things are not spelled out. You may need to load drivers for some of your interfaces, printers, mice, keyboard, etc.

And other stuff is obvious, Google, Yahoo, AOL, WIndows Messenger, etc. can definitely be unchecked.

I would recommend starting with a few things you know can be left out, then doing some Googling on the others.

You also might be able to find these things in

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Before you delete anything make sure you have a back-up, or at least some notes on what you did, since it might not be obvious and you may have problems in a few days that can trace back to this.

Jim

[Gambler]

Thanks Jim

[DanG]

Jim sure knows better than I Ed…Lots of help on the net just Google…

• XP tweaks.
• Delete start up programs…etc…

Here’s a link from CNET.com on “speeding up XP” including specific start up recommendations.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10165_7-5554402-1.html

• TweakXP.com

http://www.tweakxp.com/performance_tweaks.aspx

Not sure if an item is safe to delete?...Several helpful databases out there like…

• windowsstartup.com

http://www.windowsstartup.com/wso/

Good luck!

[Gambler]

Thanks Dan
ed

[AwolAtHTR]

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A= Leave all the items running from your Windows directory checked.

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B= Before you delete anything make sure you have a back-up,
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C= -- at least some notes on what you did, since it might not be obvious and you may have problems in a few days that can trace back to this.



well Jim, let me explain why I disagree with A and say use the DISABLE ALL button on the MSCONFIG program.

BUT, I strongly agree about a backup
and, say just create a Restore Point
and, forget making notes
because your Restore Point is a quasi BackUp of the Operating system.
ie, you can restore to Before you started tinkering with MSconfig.
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re: Dan's list

yes, I agree IF you want to be technically correct THEN check out those resources.

However, I am a risk taker and know that you can boot into SAFE MODE if things get messed up (oh, be sure your user ID can boot to SAFE MODE)
ie, MAYBE, Safe Mode will be necessary to perform Restore to your saved Check point.

So, spent a lot less time by risking a screw up and get it done.

----------------

yes, the StartUp folder will sometimes have to be cleared.
This is where Microsoft has the Messenger startup which magically reappears in the StartUp tab of MSconfig.

with EVERYTHING disabled at start up, you have control to start the Virus program, your high speed (DSL, cable, or whatever)

yes, you will be in control of what is your computer doing at startup
and, you get to start Messenger, Virus protection, or whatever you want Before using the internet.

well, maybe rambled off issue about start up
but, this is one of my favorite targets and solutions for SLOW computers

duane

[njcurveball]

Two words Duane...

BE CAREFUL!

You may have keyboard drivers, mouse drivers, monitor drivers, etc. If you do not run them at start-up, you may be able to access them letting Windows use "plug or play" or maybe not. Especially if a piece of software was used to install them.

Also, if you do not run the Virus software at start-up, anything "lurking" will run long before you connect to the Internet.

As for the restore point, remember it is only as good as your hard drive. If something happens to crash your hard drive, you may be paying a hefty fee to someone to get your data.

I prefer to have things backed up and with external hard drives, it is a pretty cheap alternative to paying good money for someone else to get the data off of my dead hard drive.

Jim

[njcurveball]

How is your start-up now Ed?

One thing most people overlook is "pruning" the fonts directory under Windows.

You can copy it locally, just in case. The remove about 90% of the font files that Windows loads on start-up.

Jim

[Gambler]

ItsCOMPUTER FIXES
--www.fixmyxp.com
--www.hp.com now search for free comp classes
--Type your problem in and put in Quotation GOOGLE Search.
--Too speed your boot up.
1. Start—Run—msconfig—start up—Remove everything except Norton and Spy Sweeper and Symtech
2 go to Service Tab—check hide all Microsoft services—disable all [they were all checked]- only check the ones Norton, Symantec, spy sweeper
3. Boot.INI TAB—Time out—put in 3 sec—Apply—close –exit w/o restart
4. Start – Run—Regedit—ok—Hkey_current_user—expand it by clicking on it.—click on control panel+ then click on desktop itself [ not +] go to menu show delay—set data shange pop up box edit string to 100
5. go to hung app time—1000—apply
Restart comp—when you see system config utility pop up box check don’t show me—ok
working pretty good now. HP Tech support helped me speed it up.

The above were my notes.
Thanks again
ed

[Gambler]

Somehow i lost part of my reply. HP Tech support told me to do the above. It did speed my comp up.

[njcurveball]

Sounds like good news Ed!

You are becoming an expert!