Help with slow laptop...please read this question...?

Question

I think my problem is programs running in the back ground and this is what is taking it so long to start up cos when I am in everything is quite quick and the only slow thing is opening new windows. So what I need to know is how to find out what is running in the background so I can remove it. I've removed the tool I used for my MP3 player as it was after I was copying cd's to my pc then to my mp3 that it started so it's something to do with them most probably. In my add/remove programs list there are some programs i don't know what they are....anyone know what Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 , 1.1 Hotfix and 2.0 are? Do I need these? Also MSXML 4.0 SP2. All 4 have the wee computer and disk symbol to the left.

Anyway any help would be most appreciated.

I have anti virus and spyware stuff so that's not the problem. Rebooting won't help cos I've had the problem over a week now!

I've done defrag, and there is plenty memory. See my previous questions for more info

Answer 1

This is quite common to almost all computers. Every time you either start up any program or installing new software, it will automatically adds to "programs to run background at every start up". To prevent all softwares (that you don't need it in background although it will not remove your program from hard drive), here is the basic setup where you can determine which programs you want it to run in background (for easier access), go to Start>Run, type "msconfig" (without quotes), from there, it will pop a little box. In msconfig, there are 6 tabs. There are "General", "System.INI", "Win.INI", "Boot.INI", "Services" and "Startup". "Startup" is the tab you will need to get into. You will see all those programs that are checked, which means all those programs (checked) that are running in background, thus slowing down your start up every time you boot up your computer. You can uncheck those programs (it will NOT remove your program and you still can access those programs by clicking start>programs). By unchecking some or all programs, it will speed up at start up and run better. DO NOT mess with the rest of tabs, those are for people with knowledge for what they are. Once you complete your task in that "Startup" tab, click "apply", then when in prompt, click "exit without restart", then do other things you can think of to "clean" your hard drive. Restart your computer, voila, it should be a clean start up. I hope this will not confuse you and works out for you. Any more questions, either post it in Ask or contact me. Best of Luck!
EightyEight

Answer 2

All those programs, you have automatically downloaded from Windows Update (now called Microsoft Update) - keep them there though.

Try removing some programs from "Add/Remove Programs" that you don't use as much anymore.

Delete any large files you don't need etc. and do a Disk Cleanup as well as Defrag your computer.
>>> To do these, go to Start > (All) Programs > Accessories > System Tools

Answer 3

If the programs are not harmful, why stop them from running?

Some basic steps to ensure smooth access to your computer:

1. Clear all junk programs. (uninstall useless applications you don't use)

2. Get an anti-virus program - You may be infected with a virus. You can also try the free online scan from www.symantec.com

3. Get a spyware removal - I strongly encourage you to get a free copy of Adaware from www.lavasoftusa.com

4. Reboot your system. Is there any difference?

5. If not, try upgrading your system. Eg, adding more RAM to it, etc..

Answer 4

All the files listed are necessary and safe.

If your PC used to be faster, or is acting strangely, it's probably infected with malware. Use the link below to learn more about "malware".

Then, you need to install: ONE Anti-virus (AVG free), ONE Firewall (Zone Alarm free), and Anti-spyware tools like: Windows Defender, Spybot, Ad-Aware, Spyware Blaster and cCleaner (free, use all 5 regularly).

Google for them, install them and learn how to use them.

TIP: Last resort, back up (copy to CD / DVD / external hard drive) all personal data and do a Windows "Clean Install", more info at (www.theeldergeek.com). The apps above can only clean up so much.

Answer 5

Hi,
You have xp?
maybe not enough memory?
I think you have a bug.
It sounds like spyware cookie or worm. This could cause slow start up. All systems are trying to run at the same time.

Try norton 2007 /$40.00 bucks

just a thought hope it helps

Answer 6

Try Disk Fragmenting you laptop (deleting all old rubbish from you comp)
Press start ....
then programmes....
then accessories ....
then system tools ...
then disk derangement ....
Select drive C
then then press start.
This may take a while if it is not done regularly but will quicken up your laptop.
Also try disk clean up, same as above but rather than press disk derangement, press disk clean up ... this will also quicken up your laptop by getting rid of unnecessary files etc and regain extra memory.

Answer 7

Type "services.msc" in RUN to know the programs that run on system startup.

Ctrl+Alt + Del to run the task manager and click processes.

Answer 8

ITS EASY!!! All you have to do is press ctrl+alt+delete which takes you to windows task manager. Now go on applications, if there is anything that you are not using there then stop it. If that didn't work go on processes and work out what it is then click end process.

Answer 9

What you have described are normal windows programs. Maybe you have spyware:

AD-AWARE, SPYWARE PROTECTION:

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10672044.html?tag=pop.software



AVAST ANTI VIRUS, FREE ( change the skin ) :

http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10680976.html?tag=lst-0-2


C-CLEANER, REGESTRY AND UNEEDED FILE DELETER:

http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10669303.html?tag=lst-0-1


HIJACK THIS!! (Only for advanced users)

http://www.download.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10379544.html?tag=lst-0-1

Also turn off the system resotre and 1 minute later put it back on.

Answer 10

Might just be your firewall software updating before it allows the PC to do anything else. F-Secure is particularly bad for this.