[†_Moose_†]

I have Windows XP home version. The question I have is how do I disable programs that are running when I don't want or need them to be? It's particularly annoying while trying to do a defrag. I can't do a good complete defrag while all these programs are running in the background. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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You can reboot the PC and run the defrag then, you can reboot to safe mode to run the defrag

[Retired Tech]

You can reboot the PC and run the defrag then, you can reboot to safe mode to run the defrag

[†_Moose_†]

I know about running defrag in safe mode, but I was told some time ago there is a way to disable programs that are running in the background. Something about going to start, then run, then typing in like a code and a window would open and I could choose which program I want running and which ones I don't. Was this person pulling my leg or is there really a way to do this? Thanks

[Retired Tech]

You can right click the taskbar, click task manager, click processes, click any you want, click end process, confirm, though it will take as long as rebooting

If you reboot to normal and run defrag first it should run

This will run in the background

http://www.kessels.com/JkDefrag/

[Fenor]

I know about running defrag in safe mode, but I was told some time ago there is a way to disable programs that are running in the background. Something about going to start, then run, then typing in like a code and a window would open and I could choose which program I want running and which ones I don't. Was this person pulling my leg or is there really a way to do this? Thanks

I think the person who told you this was referring to going to START-->RUN and typing msconfig. In the new window that appears, click on the startup tab, and there listed will be everything that boots up when your computer does. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU UNCHECK HERE, BECAUSE UNCHECKING A SYSTEM CRITICAL ITEM COULD CAUSE YOUR COMPUTER TO RUN POORLY OR NOT BOOT AT ALL!!

Fenor

[Retired Tech]

Didn't mention msconfig as that would definitely take longer, even without the required reboot if you apply changes