[bobgure]

Hi Gang,


Dell 3000
Processor Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 3.00GHz
Processor Speed 2.92 GHz
Memory (RAM) 2048 MB
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Operating System Version 5.1.2600


I know it kind of a newbie question, but I need some help with this.

In msconfig i've disabled many running processes such as realsched, superantiSpy,msmsgs, DSagent, etc....

The problem is that in order to keep them from automatically re-enabling, I have to start in 'Selective Startup'.
I would like to be able to start in Normal Startup without manually disabling the processes each time I reboot.

Also - How do I know which ones that I can permanently delete that are never needed?
And...(gulp! )...what exactly do "services" do and which ones are essential?

If you need logs and such, I'll be more than happy to provide..

Thanks much,

Bob

Edited by bobgure, 06 April 2009 - 07:59 PM.

[Advertisements]

bobgure,

May I ask why you need to select Normal Startup and not run in selective startup?

[anzenketh]

bobgure,

May I ask why you need to select Normal Startup and not run in selective startup?

[usasma]

This article describes the use of MSCONFIG for troubleshooting: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560
This article describes how to disable programs that start automatically: http://support.micro....com/kb/270035/

Please notice that MSCONFIG is not recommended for permanently disabling the programs. While I haven't found any serious problems with MSCONFIG in XP, it's use in Vista can cause issues that will prevent Vista from booting (mostly black screen errors).

If the Windows Defender solution isn't for you, and you don't want to mess in the registry, there are 2 good (IMO) startup managers available for XP:
An easy to use interface here: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
A more complete, but more complicated interface: http://www.microsoft...s/Autoruns.mspx

[bobgure]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.
I always thought that starting in "Selective' was not the definitive, permanent way to handle uneeded processes.
MsConfig and subsequent windows that i'm greeted with after rebooting are annoying.
I'm not an advanced user, so I don't really know how typical it is.

Thanks for the links to the Microsoft pages and the Mike Linn program (which seems very easy).

This is a no brainer but thought I'd confirm it with you: It's always wiser to "disable" rather than delete progs. if i'm not completely sure what their function is..

What are programs that are 'agents' anyway?

Thanks for your kind help.
Bob

[usasma]

If you disable (rather than delete) you've got the option to re-enable it should you need it.
I suggest disabling and running the system for a week or two. Then, if all is well, you should be able to delete them.

Disabling/deleting startups does not delete the program - it only disables/removes the startup entry. Depending on the type of startup, you'll still be able to run the programs that you've disabled.

Services are programs also - they just run a bit differently than a regular program. What one's are needed and what one's aren't needed are debatable. For further information I'd suggest you check out Black Viper's website here: http://www.blackviper.com Lot's and lot's of information there

As for agents, I don't know what they are. I'd suppose they are programs that the program developer has named as an agent - and that they have something to do with other programs that relate to it. We'd need more specifics in order to address this further.

[bobgure]

Thanks very much for your help!


All the Best,
-Bob

Edited by bobgure, 07 April 2009 - 12:47 PM.