[interpolarity]

My computer runs smoothly, but I just want to figure out why I have a LOT more system processes than the other users on this computer....Also, svchost takes up a lot of RAM...it's usually at the top. When i end the process, all visual effects and the like are removed....the XP theme is replaced by the original windows theme...any idea why?

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Edited by interpolarity, 14 February 2007 - 09:26 AM.

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Also, svchost takes up a lot of RAM...it's usually at the top. When i end the process, all visual effects and the like are removed....the XP theme is replaced by the original windows theme...any idea why

Yes. You've likely stopped the instance of svchost that was supporting the "Themes" Service. If you are having issues with Services (svchost) see: http://www.theelderg...vices_guide.htm But make sure that it is sVChost and not sCVhost! The second is serious malware. Please do not stop svchost with taskmanager. You may get yourself into deep trouble.
If you have the RAM why worry? How is CPU usage?

[1101doc]

Also, svchost takes up a lot of RAM...it's usually at the top. When i end the process, all visual effects and the like are removed....the XP theme is replaced by the original windows theme...any idea why

Yes. You've likely stopped the instance of svchost that was supporting the "Themes" Service. If you are having issues with Services (svchost) see: http://www.theelderg...vices_guide.htm But make sure that it is sVChost and not sCVhost! The second is serious malware. Please do not stop svchost with taskmanager. You may get yourself into deep trouble.
If you have the RAM why worry? How is CPU usage?

[interpolarity]

That's the thing...my CPU shoots up the roof if I have more than 2 programs running...I was just wondering how I could tone down some of the visual effects, and also why I have so many system processes. My dad's account has like 3 system processes running, and I have at least 12...why?

[1101doc]

To control what starts with Windows I suggest the free WinPatrol: http://www.winpatrol.com/ Use the "Start-up" tab to turn off anything you don't really have to have start with Windows. Some of the names listed there may not be familiar, and you will need to find out what they are, and how they work.

I think that Sysinternals free Process Explorer is very helpful with all this. It is what Taskmanager wants to be when it grows up. Get it here: http://www.microsoft...ssExplorer.mspx (Download link at bottom of page)

For information about the various processes, here are some good places to check:
http://www.ppedia.com/
http://www.fileresearchcenter.com/
http://www.answersth...es/tasklist.htm
http://www.kephyr.com/filedb/index.php
http://www.what-process.com/lists.aspx
http://exelib.com/
http://www.processlibrary.com/

Of course, you can always google'em.

When using Process Explorer I'm sure that you will begin to notice that there are several instances of svchost.exe listed. When you hover over a svchost, a small box opens with other stuff inside. These are XP "Services," and they run in the background also. But before you start making changes to your Services, go to : http://www.theelderg...vices_guide.htm and have a good read. I almost always set any Service that I don't want to start with Windows to "Manual" (except for those listed as default-disable for XP). With a manual setting, if your system needs the service for any reason it can be started. If Disabled you're out of luck.

If you have the troublesome ctfmon.exe working in the background: Go to :Control Panel>Regional and Language Options>Languages>Details>Advanced, and check the box that says "Turn off advanced text services." If that gives you trouble, go back and turn it back on. Ctfmon uses a lot of CPU time.

Good luck, and please post back with your progress.

[interpolarity]

thanks...I still dont understand though why I have some system processes running that other users don't. I looked up what they are...for example....I have like three processes associated with our printer. My parent's accounts don't, and yet the printer still works. If you can't help me its no big deal, I'm just curios.