Slow Start up using Win7, how can I speed it up

snerkler · 01 Dec 2009

HI,
I've been led to believe that the start up of windows 7 is much faster than other windows OS's, but I've not found it to be any quicker. It awakes from sleep faster, but if I shut it down and restart it it's no quicker, and might even be a touch slower. My wife has windows 7 at work and says it's like lightening starting up.

Is this because I upgraded to windows 7 with Dell, and if so would I be better installing it from scratch? Would I be able to do this with an upgrade CD, I pretty sure it gave me the option when installing?

I've seen on another thread to type is MSconfig and under the startup tab disable any unwanted programmes, but unfortunately I'm not that clued up on computers and so do not know what's needed and what isn't. Here's the list from my start up menu.

Microsoft security essentials
Quickset
Microsoft Windows operating system
Software manager
Adobe reader and acrobat manager
Adobe acrobat
Datasafe online
Dell webcam central
Dell support centre updates
HpwuSchd Application (Hewlett-Packard)
HpqSRmon Application (Hewlett-Packard)
iTunes
Default Manager
Cyberlink PowerDVD
QuickTime
Java(TM) Platform S

In layman's terms what does disabling these from the startup actually do? Does this mean I can't use these programmes, or that I have to manually start them?

Cheers

Barman58 · 01 Dec 2009

By disabling the program you will just prevent it from being started every time you log in.

You should still be able to run these applications manually, (assuming that the program actually has a user interface, some will not as they are just assistant programs to speed up the use of their main programs).

A quick Google of the name you see in the list should give you enough information to decide if you wish to auto start the program or not

Joan Archer · 01 Dec 2009

If you have too many programs starting up when Windows starts that will slow things down, most of them are not needed when starting up although you do need your firewall and anti virus programs to start.

Most of the programs you have listed there don't need to start up with Windows, you just start them when you need to use them.

The experts will be able to give you the information you need about how to speed things up I've just given you my take on it.

snerkler · 01 Dec 2009

Thanks. How quick should it start up, ie seconds, minutes? I've not actually timed mine but I'm guessing it's over a minute. I will time it next time I start it up

Barman58 · 01 Dec 2009

looking at your list

Using a traffic light system these are my suggestions but only you can make the final decision.

Leave In Startup
Possibly not needed unless you always use the application concerned
Almost certainly not needed in startup - unless they are a major part of your use and are used everytime

Microsoft security essentials
Quickset
Microsoft Windows operating system
Software manager
Adobe reader and acrobat manager
Adobe acrobat
Datasafe online
Dell webcam central
Dell support centre updates
HpwuSchd Application (Hewlett-Packard)
HpqSRmon Application (Hewlett-Packard)
iTunes
Default Manager
Cyberlink PowerDVD
QuickTime
Java(TM) Platform S

Lordbob75 · 01 Dec 2009

snerkler said:

Is this because I upgraded to windows 7 with Dell, and if so would I be better installing it from scratch? Would I be able to do this with an upgrade CD, I pretty sure it gave me the option when installing?

Yes, this may also cause some issue. Upgrading from Vista is not nearly as good as a clean install. If you have the option, that might very well help.
However, you can still make it quick without having to worry about that. Try disabling those services Barman recommended first. If that is not acceptable, we can work some more with you.

~Lordbob