How can I see and alter what is loaded on startup in windows?

Answer 1

This is one of the best ways to increase performance. In xp, start run, type in msconfig, choose start up tab. Google everything there, it will tell you if needed, optional or bad. Watch out trojans often hide here using correct names, but you'll often find them in the wrong places. Uncheck what you need and hit apply. While youre here, check your processes, and you'll find a few scavengers like AOell running even when its been uninstalled. Hit Close, reboot. Then check on the white dont show me again box.

In vista. Pearl, type "start", choose taskbar and start menu,

Answer 2

You can use the free tool provided with Windows, assuming your using 2000 or higher. Click on start, then run and type in msconfig then ok (or enter) and a program will appear that will give you access to various things at startup. Caution! You can mess up your computer by doing this, having a good backup is always a good idea.

Answer 3

You can use this program called CCleaner:
http://ccleaner.com/

Just click on Tools, and go to the startup tab to change whatever it is that needs changed.

This program can also clear out all of those annoying temporary files ;)

Answer 4

I'm assuming that by "alter" you don't really mean "make major changes", as making major changes will screw up your registry and may screw up your computer.
If you wish to rename, copy, etc., do the following:

Right click Start icon in lower left corner of taskbar.
Left click "Open".
Highlight (left click) what you want to alter, right click it, and go from there. You can delete it, rename it, etc.

Otherwise, leave well enough alone.

Answer 5

Try running Belarc.

http://www.Belarc.com/

Answer 6

start > run > type msconfig