Problem with Computer!

[RazorX]

Help! Does anyone know how to stop mass amounts of programs from starting up in the background? When I press Ctrl-Alt-Del theres at least 20 running that I have no idea what they are? (And no I can't clean the computer right out and reinstall everything)

 

[SirKenin]

the best way is to edit them out of the registry, but you really should know what you are doing first.

Anyways.. Go to Start > Run

In the box type in "regedit" and hit ok

Now, from there, you will see 5 key classes. You will be looking for "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE".

Now, expand the tree by doubleclicking on it.

Surf your way down to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.

That's where programs are run when the computer boots up. Delete anything from there that's unnecessary but be careful you don't delete anything important.

You can also look in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Also check whatever you might find in Start > Programs > Startup.

 

[Edge]

Alternatively, Start > Run > "msconfig" and click on the "Startup" tab. It has labels and checkboxes, if you're worried about permanently disabling something you'd rather not.

 

[SirKenin]

I forgot, if you click on File > Export in registry, you can save a copy to your drive before you start hacking away at it.

 

[Sixgun]

Hello,

One suggestion I will make. Look at the list of programs running and search for them using Google or something. You should be able to find out exactly what they are - that way you'll know if they should be running, and it could also help you know what to remove.

 

[SirKenin]

Good call Always remember, Google is your friend

 

[RazorX]

All right I'll try that! Thanks Guys!

 

[loribee59]

Hold on...

there's a couple of websites that deals with startup:

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm

and

http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/

good luck!

~loribee59

 

[jko]

Go to www.binarydreams.us/forums

They will be able to help you out!

 

[Inspired]

Alternatively, Start > Run > "msconfig" and click on the "Startup" tab. It has labels and checkboxes, if you're worried about permanently disabling something you'd rather not.

This is the best way if you are running 98 or 98SE, you can safely unclick everything under the start up tab, it does not contain your systems vital functions. You'll recieve a message in a pop up box after you restart your computer letting you know you changed the start up configuration, no big, click to never show the message again.

 

[RazorX]

Thank you Edge! It worked! Thank you everyone for your advice as well!