Is this possible or even advisable? Let's say I have 40 processes running at any given time. Some are probably things I don't want or need. If I Google the file name and determine that it is an evil file can I then use my 'find file' feature and delete that bad file from my hard drive permanently? The problem is that the file names are generally meaningless to me and I don't want to mess up an otherwise great laptop.
2006-10-14 09:59:41 · 6 answers · asked by DANIEL R T 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
So far, as it turns out, 1) I already run a "cocktail" of anti-spyware software. Everyone should. 2) I have used the free download of Security Task Manager and have ordered the full version, 3) You can Google all of the files and get terrific explanations and 4) it seems that I need everything that is running. I guess I just thought that software wasn't opening as quickly as it did when my computer was new. Is this not a big deal?
2006-10-14 16:03:08 · update #1
Download Spybot Search and Destroy from http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
then open the startup manager in the advanced mode under tools. You can selectively choose what you want to load or not and most startup entries have explanations. You can also use the windows process manager to tell which processes should be automatically started and which should be manually started. I would not delete anything until you know what the impact is going to be on the computer.
2006-10-14 10:05:24 · answer #1 · answered by Interested Dude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a small free program called Process Explorer, which is similar to the task manager except it gives you more information about what is running. Identifying the bad guys is half the battle.
To answer your other question, no you can simply delete the file. You need to find out what is making it start. It is ususally an entry in the registry. As mentioned in another post the easiest to get those out is with adaware or spybot. Also I suggest "hijack this".
2006-10-14 13:03:16 · answer #2 · answered by sdh0407 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Download a program called Security Task Manager. It will show u all the currently running processes on your computer. It will allow you to delete the files permantely or quaratine them in case u need 2 restore them later on.
2006-10-14 10:05:25 · answer #3 · answered by black_ca_scorpio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can stop processes like anything else but as you said some may be needed for proper functionality. If you are worried about things running automatically that you may not want to run msconfig.
Go to run-type in msconfig and click ok.
Go to the startup tab and uncheck anything you don't want to start at startup.
2006-10-14 10:04:15 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services This gives a pretty detailed list with descriptions of what is started, stopped, or enabled/disabled on your computer. Dont just randomly turn stuff on and off, but if you see processes or programs you know you dont need then you can disable them here. Just right click on the process and then you can choose what to do with it.
2016-03-28 09:04:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldn't , although it is possible. the chances that you will find one of your file names on goole is very very slim. most files on computers are good, and if you think it is an evil file, you can run spyware or virus scans on it.
2006-10-14 10:04:23 · answer #6 · answered by §@mM¥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋