Removing Excess Startup Programs

[bobsarquis]

I assume (know) my computer came with many programs that I don't want and will never use. I also assume many of them are in the Startup, and they slow down the startup. If this is so, is it worthwhile to eliminate those in order to speed up the startup? If so, is there a safe way to distinguish those from the necessary items, and delete them?

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

Bob, the programs in the 'Startup' folder in 'Start' (Start/All Programs/Startup) can be removed without removing the program from the computer.  The programs can be removed by using an uninstaller, such as, Revo Uninstaller.  This is my goto app for this purpose, because it gives you options on how deep to delete the program.  I normally use the most complete option.  It has never caused any additional problems for me.

I believe, however, that you are more concerned about the 'Services' and Startup' in "msconfig" (Run/ type msconfig).  These are a different situation.  Many of them are necessary for Windows to function properly.  There are guides on the Internet that will help you make a decision on how to handle each one.  You didn't mention which OS you are running.  Here is a guide for Win7.  I still use caution when Disabling any of them.  When I do, I use the common sense approach and do one at a time.  This is the way that I install programs, also.  This way if you have a problem, you know without hesitation which program is causing the problem if you didn't have it prior to the install. 

I hope this helps.

[hilsha71]

I have a HP Pavilion 1440n with Windows XP operating system. What are the start up programs that I absolutely have to have at start up? Which ones can I safely uncheck in msconfig?

Thank you

[Hanspuppa]

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hilsha71 wrote: I have a HP Pavilion 1440n with Windows XP operating system. What are the start up programs that I absolutely have to have at start up? Which ones can I safely uncheck in msconfig? Thank you

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Hello hilsha71, This would be difficult to answer since many of the applications on your system may have some startup programs needed to run the application.

It is generally recommended to allow only the startup porgrams to be run that are actually needed for the system to work optimally.

The best way to remove any programs actually not needed in the startup process, would be to uncheck each one, one at a time, save and close out of msconfig. You will get a window that ask to restart the system or restart later. Choose restart later.

Then just log off and the system will log off and not reboot and when the system restarts, you should get a logon window.

Just logon as your logon name and another window will open and in the lower left corner of this window, place a check mark to not show this window at logon.

This procedure would need to be done on every entry in the msconfig startup tab. It could take some time. If you know there are some entries that actually are required to run at startup, you could leave these entries checked.