| The quickest way to see what loads at startup, is | | | | switches, used to start a file. For example, the |
| to run the MSConfig utility. MSConfig is a | | | | startup item 'eventsrc' has a command that |
| troubleshooting utility that lets you edit .INI files, | | | | shows us that it is in the Real folder, so we know |
| services and startup files. While not documented | | | | it's associated with the RealMedia player. The |
| in Windows help, it is explained in the online | | | | location shows where the command is executed |
| Windows XP Resource Kit. You must have | | | | from, usually from a registry key, or the |
| Administrator's rights to use the MSConfig utility. | | | | Windows Startup folder. |
| To run MSConfig, click on Start/Run and type in | | | | If you don't know what the file is or does, the |
| MSConfig and enter. Clicking on the Startup tab | | | | Sysinfo.org startup list is a database of known |
| will show you all the programs loading at start-up. | | | | files that you may encounter. When you find a file |
| However, don't utilize msconfig to disable startup | | | | in the startup list you don't know, for example, |
| applications. Though it functions as a basic startup | | | | "eventsvc", look it up in the database. But the |
| manager, msconfig shouldn't be used to alter your | | | | database has many entries and the easiest way I |
| PC's auto-start programs, because by doing that: | | | | found to identify these programs was to google |
| - you change the registry where there are | | | | them. |
| services that are necessary for hardware and | | | | Now when you're all done and you have disabled |
| booting. Once you uncheck a service in msconfig, | | | | the uneccessary programs running at startup, |
| you disable it entirely. | | | | your system should be booting faster and trouble |
| - while disabled with msconfig, programs may not | | | | free. |
| be uninstalled properly and orphaned entries often | | | | Now that you have partially fixed the slow boot, |
| will be left behind. | | | | you can carry on with the process of fixing your |
| - switching back to normal startup mode, the | | | | slow computer. |
| orphan entries can result in boot up errors. | | | | To really speed up your slow computer you need |
| - msconfig does not list all applications loaded in all | | | | to: |
| possible startup locations, some entry points are | | | | - Remove unused applications. |
| hidden and unknown to the user. | | | | - Clean your browser's history, temp data and |
| - msconfig does not allow the complete removal | | | | your Favorite or Bookmark list. |
| of disabled entries from its list. | | | | - Optimize the Windows Registry |
| It is far better to use a startup manager. You can | | | | - Scan for and remove threats like viruses, |
| download quite a few managers and use for free. | | | | malware etc. |
| You can try out Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel, | | | | - Take some more measures to make the boot |
| Autoruns and Starter by CodeStuff. In any of | | | | process faster. |
| these programs, If you untick an entry it will no | | | | - Keep those startup apps you've disabled from |
| longer run at startup. This will allow you to | | | | reloading into the startup. |
| experiment and see how your system performs | | | | - Free your PC's memory whenever possible. |
| with any of them disabled. | | | | - Schedule your cleanup programs to run |
| But, first things first. Before you attempt any | | | | automatically. |
| changes to the startup configuration it is wise to | | | | - Place all your data files together in one easy to |
| create a restore point which you can fall back on | | | | use location. |
| if an unforeseen problem arises. | | | | - Defrag and organize your disks so that your |
| Click on Start - Help and Support. | | | | most used files are in the fast lane. |
| Click on the System Restore menu. | | | | - Optimize, tune and tweak your PC for optimal |
| Select Create a restore point and click Next | | | | speed and stability. |
| Enter a name for the restore point and click on | | | | I have researched and tested several products |
| Create | | | | over a period of several months and in order for |
| The restore point has been created. Click Close. | | | | me to get our slow PC's performance up to |
| Now you are sure that you have a point you can | | | | speed again, I made use of not less than 17 |
| fall back to if you run into any problems altering | | | | different products, each of which is designed to |
| your startup. | | | | do a certain task on the computer. Eventually we |
| From a clean start, you can add back files, such | | | | ended up using 11 of these apps (all freeware) on |
| as antivirus and firewalls that run at boot time. A | | | | a regular basis which keeps our PC's performing |
| major problem with editing the startup is knowing | | | | clean and error free. |
| which files you need or not. Usually you can get | | | | In forthcoming articles I'll explain to you in detail, |
| an idea of what a file is by looking at the | | | | how to clear out forgotten programs, unused, |
| 'command' or 'location' column. The command is | | | | unnecessary and junk files and how to clean and |
| the actual executable file, including any options or | | | | streamline the Windows registry. |