Solved What Startup Programs Can I Disable?

[JackALope52x]

Hey gang,

I was messing around in System Configuration the other day and began to wonder what programs I could / should disable on startup. I have disabled a few pointless things and third party programs, but is there anything else I can get rid of? Also what programs / processes do you guys typically disable? Thanks in advance and sorry if I put this in the wrong section, I wasn't sure where it should go.

-JackALope

 

[drpepper]

It has been a while since I have used it because I know what everything in my startups is, but I have used Sysinfo.org . It is a helpful resource. Some decisions have to be made based upon your computing habits.

For example from your screenshot: If you use Skype nearly every time you start your computer, you may wish to keep it in startup to make it launch quicker. Personally I would disable Java.

One thing of special note is that I did not recpgnize any security programs. I hope your screenshot is only a partial listing. If you don't have a real time security program installed and running, I strongly recommend getting one ASAP. Without an active security program, you are inviting trouble. Personally I like Download Microsoft Security Essentials from Official Microsoft Download Center.

In practice, I try to limit my list of programs enabled at startup to about ten (or less when possible). My laptop boots in well under one minute. I haven't used a stopwatch for an exact time, but I estimate in the thirty second range. Here is how I make decisions.

• If it is a needed program (like the Intel entries), I keep it enabled.
• If it is a real time security program, I keep it enabled.
• If it is an updater, I disable it. This can be done manually as a part of routine maintenance.
• If it is something I need on every startup, I keep it enabled. An example on my laptop is my wireless mouse and keyboard.
• When in double about a program, I either Google it or use Sysinfo.org as recommended above.

As for disabling services in msconfig, I use a similar mindset. Check the box for hide all Microsoft services and begin editing from there. I have six running, which is probably more than some of the gurus run. Four of them are for my UPS (battery back up) because my neighborhood experiences quite a few brownouts and my wireless printer (which I use virtually every time I use my computer).

If you need further assistance, please include a complete listing of the startup programs.

 

[JackALope52x]

Hey drpepper,

Thanks for the quick and detailed response. Yeah Skype and RocketDock are third party programs that I need to start when my computer boots. The screenshot I provided is not a partial but I DO use Microsoft Security Essentials. It starts when my PC does but for some weird reason it doesn't show up in the Startup tab. Also thanks for providing that link, I have never heard of it and it seems like a great tool. Your bullet points are very straight forward and helpful, I think I can follow them.

As for Services I have never really tweaked with that section but now is as good as time as any. Thanks for the information and input. Good stuff.

 

[derekimo]

It has been a while since I have used it because I know what everything in my startups is, but I have used Sysinfo.org . It is a helpful resource. Some decisions have to be made based upon your computing habits.

For example from your screenshot: If you use Skype nearly every time you start your computer, you may wish to keep it in startup to make it launch quicker. Personally I would disable Java.

One thing of special note is that I did not recpgnize any security programs. I hope your screenshot is only a partial listing. If you don't have a real time security program installed and running, I strongly recommend getting one ASAP. Without an active security program, you are inviting trouble. Personally I like Download Microsoft Security Essentials from Official Microsoft Download Center.

In practice, I try to limit my list of programs enabled at startup to about ten (or less when possible). My laptop boots in well under one minute. I haven't used a stopwatch for an exact time, but I estimate in the thirty second range. Here is how I make decisions.

• If it is a needed program (like the Intel entries), I keep it enabled.
• If it is a real time security program, I keep it enabled.
• If it is an updater, I disable it. This can be done manually as a part of routine maintenance.
• If it is something I need on every startup, I keep it enabled. An example on my laptop is my wireless mouse and keyboard.
• When in double about a program, I either Google it or use Sysinfo.org as recommended above.

As for disabling services in msconfig, I use a similar mindset. Check the box fordisable all Microsoft services and begin editing from there. I have six running, which is probably more than some of the gurus run. Four of them are for my UPS (battery back up) because my neighborhood experiences quite a few brownouts and my wireless printer (which I use virtually every time I use my computer).

If you need further assistance, please include a complete listing of the startup programs.

Shouldn't that be "Hide" all Microsoft services?

 

[drpepper]

JackALope52x, you are welcome.
Derekimo, you are correct... good catch! ... correction made in the other post... thanks for the heads-up!

 

[Britton30]

You should look under the Startup tab, not Services. Startup has the programs that start with Windows and most can be disabled except for your security software. They will work on demand.
All I have is Norton, APC, a UPS monitor, and Weatherbug.

In Services I disabled things I know I won't/don/t use. I disabled Tablet PC Input, Remote Registry, Windows Boimetric Service, etc. Others I set to Manual start so they will run on demand.

 

[drpepper]

The OP's screenshot is for startup.

Respectfully submitted.

 

[Britton30]

The OP's screenshot is for startup.

Respectfully submitted.

No problem, I;m just pointing out there is a difference, some people confuse them. I have.

 

[drpepper]

gotcha ... and I understand the potential confusion...

 

[ganjiry]

Here's a guide from Black Viper i usually use when unsure of service's Black Viper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations | Black Viper | www.blackviper.com

 

[madcratebuilder]

Here's a guide from Black Viper i usually use when unsure of service's Black Viper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations | Black Viper | www.blackviper.com

+1
Beat me to it. Follow Blackvipers guide and you well shave a lot of time off reboots, plus speed to system up in general.

 

[drpepper]

I certainly wouldn't recommend this to a newbie. It would be a nightmare to unravel mistakes.

 

[ganjiry]

I certainly wouldn't recommend this to a newbie. It would be a nightmare to unravel mistakes.

If it's read properly i don't see how mistakes can be made as it shows the default for each version of Windows 7. The only way mistake's can be made is if somebody just disable's anything willy nilly.

 

[whs]

I would disable everything except for the Rocket Dock and the Java updater. All the others will be loaded when needed.

 

[drpepper]

ganjiry,

I am alarmed by the number of people who do not/will not read and follow instructions. I find it very common to have to repair problems caused by not reading or following the instructions. If I had only $1 in front of me right now for each occurrence, it would amount to more than enough for a steak dinner at a nice restaurant. Unfortunately it is usually a free repair.

 

[ganjiry]

Yeah i know what you mean, There are plenty out there who just can't be arsed enit.

 

[Layback Bear]

I highly recommend staying away from Black Viper and any such program.
I recommend staying out of Windows services. You will find no help there.
Everybody system is different. Here is mine.

 

[JackALope52x]

Here's a guide from Black Viper i usually use when unsure of service's Black Viper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations | Black Viper | www.blackviper.com

+1
Beat me to it. Follow Blackvipers guide and you well shave a lot of time off reboots, plus speed to system up in general.

Thanks for the link and information guys, I will take a look at it.

 

[JackALope52x]

I certainly wouldn't recommend this to a newbie. It would be a nightmare to unravel mistakes.

Thanks for looking out drpepper. My question may be a "newbie" question, but I know my way around computers pretty well. Yes I wanted some info on what I can disable / not disable but it was also more of inviting people to post their personal setup and opinions. Thanks again for the warning mate.

 

[gregrocker]

Win7 is the leanest OS ever and needs no old-school Service tweaks. Black Viper's guide helped trim XP and make early Vista tolerable. Win7 made it unnecessary by having all MS Services not absolutely needed at start set to Manual with Fast Triggers.

Nor does 7 need anything else starting with Windows other than the AV, stickies/gadgets if you use them, any sync. So you can uncheck everything else in both msconfig>Startup and >Services after hiding all MS Services.