When I ctrl, alt, delete, it shows which programs are running. Which are safe to end program?

Question

I am trying to speed up my computer, and want to see if it is safe or ok to end some of the owner programs that are running. I wrote all the programs down and can't find any help about them. Example "WkCalrem.exe". What the heck is that, and can I end the program (owner) without hurting anything?

Answer 1

This might help.

http://www.processlibrary.com/

Answer 2

Try and cut out processes before they start rather than cleaning up the mess afterwards.
Run "msconfig" and go to the startup tab. You should be safe to untick some of the processes there - things like updates and schedulers that aren't integral to the operation of your system. Do a Google search on all processes to find out what they are - there's a number of websites that list common processes so you can be sure you're not shutting down something important.

Before you do this, create a system restore point incase you accidentally mess something up - also, back up any important files.

When you've finished, reboot your machine.

WkCalrem.exe is an events scheduler for Microsoft Works Calendar - you can probably close it (unless you use it!).

Answer 3

The programs that show in the Task Manager are those that you have started or clicked on. Ending them will not help in speeding up your system. If you have to many programs starting with Windows, then you should edit the msconfig utility. To do this, read the following.

To control what starts with Windows:

Click Start and then Run. (Vista – Start>All Programs>Accessories>Run). In the run box, type "msconfig" without the quotes and then hit "Enter". This will open the System Configuration Utility. Click the "Startup" tab. Now remove the check mark from any and all programs that you do not want to start or "boot" with Windows. Now click apply and then click OK.

You will need to restart your system. When the system starts you will see a box stating that you used the Config. utility, put a check in "Don't show this box at startup".

That should do it.

Do not remove any check marks from your security software. You want it to load with your operating system.

Answer 4

Hi.
I don't know what "WkCalrem.exe" is, but sound like something like a calender?
Usually the taskmanager (run by ctrl, alt, delete) is used to kill programs that froze, but you can kill running programs like that, too. Programs like Word recognize that and will ask you to save your document before closing. However more simple tools don't do so and killing them might resolve in loss of data or preferences you made. This won't harm the program, but it might get you frustrated, if you have to redo something you just did.

Killing programs you didn't start is OK, as long as you don't have anything important unsaved. Some programs with crypted names are needed for running your computer, so windows might crash. But only until you restart.

If it doesn't crash, it most likely does speed up your computer.

Answer 5

wkcalrem.exe is for Microsoft works calender reminder, so that is safe to end the program, but for the other ones it really depends what it is. I would recommend doing a Google search for the program to find out what it is. Good luck!

Answer 6

Any of them in the list is safe to get gid of....

All those programs you see in the list are ones that you have started.... If you didn't start them..


start, run. msconfig, go to the start up tab and uncheck all but your anti-virus....

this will also speed up you computer...

Answer 7

Generally speaking, yes you can close it without "hurting" anything.

However, with that said, if you have any open data files associated with the program (like Word, Excel, etc.) then you could lose whatever you were working on.