when start up i have a lot of processes running how can i limit hem i am using windows xp?

Question

what are the list of optimum processes that should run and can you name a few

Answer 1

In a sense you are correct about a lot of processes runnning. However, the vast majority of the processes only use a small amount of RAM and don't task the CPU unless you activate one of the .exe files by way of a particular program that you launch.

So, what really happens is that when you install a piece of software, it puts these ".exe" files in your startup routine and it places entries in the registry, etc. that causes them to launch. The manufacturers of the software want their programs to launch quickly when you click on their icon to they implement all those .exe files and they add up and use a substantial amout of RAM when you consider them in total.

The thing to do is to stop portions "programs" from running in the background by removing them from the "start routine". What I have found to be best to do this is a program called Autoruns.

I find Autoruns to be much better than "msconfig".

Microsoft recently bought up this company and this program is now available from them at the following web page.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/autoruns.mspx

I recommend you create a folder in Program Files and call it Autoruns.

Now go to the bottom of the above web page and download the Autoruns program. Open the file. It is a Zip file, so after it opens and it shows the 4 files, simply drag and drop them into the Autoruns folder you created under Program Files. Once this is done, you can easily launch the Autoruns program any time you choose.

To launch Autoruns, simply double click on the Autoruns icon. The program will launch and will display a window with many tabs across the top.
ONLY be concerned with the "Logon" tab. Use the scroll function and review the list of items. It will show all programs that are running after you boot up your PC. After you review the entire list, decide which programs you don't want to launch at startup.

To remove a program from "running in the background" simply click on the small check mark to the left of the program name. This will remove the checkmark. Clicking on the empty box will put the check mark back again.

I STRONGLY recommend that you leave anything that references Windows, Microsoft, Program Files, System 32, etc. alone. Removing any of these may just render something inoperable. I would turn off things like Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Nero Filter Check. Use your head.

Once you are done close the window and reboot your PC.

If you want to put some (or all) of the things back into the start routine simply launch Autoruns and put a check mark in the little box and reboot the PC.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Go to Control Panel, Task Bar and Start Menu. Under Start Menu delete everything you don't use daily, or hourly even. You can always put them back on if you find you need it too often. Of course you can manually start those removed from start menu by going to Start, All Programs, and clicking there for what you want to open.

Answer 3

run "msconfig"