What programs do I need running in Start Up?

Araxis G · 17 Jun 2012

Lately I've been trying to clean up and speed up my Windows 7 64 bit Satellite A665. When I looked at the programs running at start up I was a little startled by the number of them. Here they are:

Realtek HD Audio Manager
HD Audio Background Process
Synopsis Pointing Device Driver
Toshiba HDD Protection
Toshiba Power Saver
Toshiba Button Support
Toshiba Zooming Utility
Toshiba Flash Cards
Toshiba eco Utility
Toshiba PC Health Monitor
SmartFaceWatcher
Toshiba Volume Regulator
Toshiba HDD SDD Alert
Message Center
Toshiba ReelTime
ComcastAntispy Client
Catalyst Control Center
KeNotify Application
SVPWUTIL Application
HWSetup
Toshiba Sleep
Toshiba Online Backup
Toshiba Web Camera Application
GID Desktop Application
Abode Acrobat
Adobe Reader and Acrobat Manager
Toshiba Service Station
Java(TM) Platform SE Auto Updater 2 0
Constant Guard Protection Suite

I know, big list. I know that a good number of these I probably don't need at all, but instead of just looking them up and using my amatuer judgement of what to disable I've come here. I would very much appreciate advice on what to disable and what to keep. If additional information is needed, just ask. :)

linnemeyerhere · 17 Jun 2012

Araxis G,
Welcome to SF. I like to keep my Anti Virus, Adobe update, Java, Any back up software, Catalyst and all Microsoft programs in start up. Funny thing is many program I'll remove like Google toolbar will re-install. I would just make a note of what you remove and re-boot and see how things go. You can always select them back again if you don't like something.

karlsnooks · 17 Jun 2012

Araxis,

Welcome to SevenForums.

You need very little from that list.

so that I can give a more accurate and detailed answer, please submit the three uploads mentioned below:

Install CCleaner:
CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

list of STARTUP PROGRAMS

CCleaner | Tools icon | Startup button | Windows tab |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side) |
accept Startup.txt as file name | SAVE button

list of SCHEDULED TASKS

CCleaner | Tools icon | Startup button | Scheduled Tasks tab |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side) |
enter Scheduled Tasks as File name | Save button

List of INSTALLED PROGRAMS

CCleaner | Tools icon | Uninstall button |
click on Save to text file button (bottom right side) |
accept install.txt as File name | Save button

UPLOAD the startup.txt file
UPLOAD the Scheduled Tasks.txt file
UPLOAD the install.txt file.

HOW TO UPLOAD
Post a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums
=================================================
thanks,
karl

gregrocker · 17 Jun 2012

Clean Up Factory Bloatware

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

You don't need anything other than your AV, gadgets/stickies, perhaps Skydrive to start with Windows and the above tutorials will show you how to establish that Clean Boot. All others are freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and Startup time, spy on you and can cause issues. A program that cannot wait until you click it to startup might be the exception.

Your touchpad likely does'nt need to startup unless it has features missing when it's unchecked.

You also don't need any search services or toolbars except the stable one built into your browser, The others are almost all spyware and can destablize the system. I uninstall all Google programs and stay signed out of google sites to avoid ad tracking and pasting everywhere I go.

karlsnooks · 17 Jun 2012

Greg,
I've found it preferable to leave running:
The touchpad driver, be it Synaptics or Elantech especially I've set things to use a usb mouse if connected.
Also, I like SkyDrive to startup when I powerup.
Of course, MSE.
I also like my Sidebar available without having to separately activate.

gregrocker · 17 Jun 2012

Thanks, Karl, of course. I also use Skydrive and gadgets/stickies so was overlooking those.

I do not keep touchpad software in startup normally except for when it supports gesture features or tap-to-click that is needed. I have tap-to-click on this keypad but have never once used it in 10 years since there is a button beneath it and I always use a wireless mouse anyway.