Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 13, 2010, 10:09 PM
    What Programs Does a Person Absolutely Have to Have Running On an IBM Compatible PC?
    Hi, All!

    I'm talking about using msconfig to get rid of some things that are running in the background of my computer.

    What sort of things are essential to keep running, please?

    I can find the other programs if I really need to use them.

    Thanks!
    seahwk83's Avatar
    seahwk83 Posts: 3,276, Reputation: 212
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 14, 2010, 10:07 AM

    Sure

    If you can, post an image of your msconfig and can see what you have there and offer suggestions as to if really needed or would be optional or really just don't need. If problem posting an image, you can list what you have there in msconfig.

    Also, there are services that could be set to manual instead of automatically started with computer which will also help reduce system resources as a whole.

    For services, would need to know what OS using.
    NeedKarma's Avatar
    NeedKarma Posts: 10,635, Reputation: 1706
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 14, 2010, 10:12 AM
    Theoretically you can uncheck all items in MSCONFIG since all the operating basic processes will load and do not show up there. Keep the antivirus entry as a bare minimum.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Apr 14, 2010, 11:52 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by seahwk83 View Post
    Sure

    If you can, post an image of your msconfig and can see what you have there and offer suggestions as to if really needed or would be optional or really just don't need. If problem posting an image, you can list what you have there in msconfig.

    Also, there are services that could be set to manual instead of automatically started with computer which will also help reduce system resources as a whole.

    For services, would need to know what OS using.
    Hi, seahwk83!

    I would need to list the items, since I'm having great difficulty doing the image thing.

    OS is Windows '98. I know... I know... But, it's what I have to use right now since my other, main computer won't start...

    Got to keep functioning, though...

    Thanks!
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Apr 14, 2010, 11:54 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by NeedKarma View Post
    Theoretically you can uncheck all items in MSCONFIG since all the operating basic processes will load and do not show up there. Keep the antivirus entry as a bare minimum.
    Hi, NK!

    If I unchecked everything, wouldn't the things like the system tray not show as functioning at all?

    Thanks!
    NeedKarma's Avatar
    NeedKarma Posts: 10,635, Reputation: 1706
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Apr 14, 2010, 11:59 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    If I unchecked everything, wouldn't the things like the system tray not show as functioning at all?
    Absolutely not. Msconfig only shows you programs other than the operating system that load at startup. The system tray is an integral part of the OS. Remember that unchecking stuff in msconfig doesn't delete anything, you can always recheck again and reboot.
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #7

    Apr 14, 2010, 12:54 PM
    CCleaner makes the whole MSconfig less of a chore, and it's a MUST have application anyway for easily removing windows cludge and keeping your registry healthy. Also, best of all it's FREEEEEEEE
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #8

    Apr 14, 2010, 12:59 PM
    Where is the safe site from which I can get CCleaner, Ben?

    Also, is it going to work with the present operating system that I'm using?

    Thanks!
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #9

    Apr 14, 2010, 01:01 PM
    Here you go, go with the latest version.

    Download CCleaner 2.30.1130 - FileHippo.com

    The MSconfig stuff is in Tools > Startup
    NeedKarma's Avatar
    NeedKarma Posts: 10,635, Reputation: 1706
    Uber Member
    		  
    #10

    Apr 14, 2010, 01:05 PM
    D'oh! Why didn't I think of that! Ben is correct, Ccleaner is excellent.
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #11

    Apr 14, 2010, 01:08 PM
    I don't bother messing in MSconfig after using CCleaner, too much to mess up ;)
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #12

    Apr 14, 2010, 08:11 PM
    Okay. I've been to the site. Will be downoading it. Will take awhile for me though, to do that!

    Very slow platform and connection here...
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #13

    Apr 14, 2010, 08:58 PM
    Okay. Just so it's clear here. These are the programs that are presententlly running the background of my computer.

    Just in case...

    Programs that are currently running:

    Taskbar Display Controls
    TClockex
    Eraser
    Driver Updater
    Reminder
    TaskMonitor
    SystemTray
    LoadPowerProfile
    AtiCwd32
    AtiKey
    Hpsysdrv
    USBKMMKBD
    TkbbellExe
    EPSON Stylus CX3200
    StillImageMonitor
    ScanRegistry
    HPScanPatch
    Keyboard Manager
    VsStatEXE
    VsEcomrEXE
    TkBellExe
    Vshwin32EXE
    VsStatEXE
    VsEcomrEXE
    TkBellExe
    Quick Time Task
    Reg Sweep
    McAfeeWebScanX
    LoadPowerProfile
    SchedulingAgent
    Encompass_ENCMONTR
    Hidserv
    Vshwin32EXE
    McAfeeWebScanX
    CNet Wireless Utility
    Office Startup
    Microsoft Find Fast
    Printkey2000
    StillimHP Updatesagemonitor
    TMyWebSearch Email PlugintrueAssistant
    Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders
    FadedMaster's Avatar
    FadedMaster Posts: 1,510, Reputation: 148
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #14

    Apr 15, 2010, 02:17 PM

    I would run Hijack This and post the log. Then you can just check what we tell you to and it gets rid of it. It looks like you have a few things that Hijack This will help with. It also searches other areas garbage can hang out.

    HijackThis - Trend Micro USA

    MyWebSearch stands out to me right away. It's garbage.

    I would also run a scan with Spybot Search & Destroy (The home of Spybot-S&D!). And Malwarebytes (Malwarebytes). I'm not sure if both will work on 98 though.
    seahwk83's Avatar
    seahwk83 Posts: 3,276, Reputation: 212
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #15

    Apr 15, 2010, 03:37 PM

    Assuming this list is when no other apps are in backround or already started and after a fresh restart

    TkbbellExe - safely stop, related to realplayer (you have this running 2 times)

    Microsoft Find Fast - safely stop, not needed as running process

    Office Startup - only if you really need this to run on start as you can run office apps anytime you want without having this running in backround - Optional

    Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders - Optional if you really use it on reg basis or require for your needs

    Driver Updater - optional, you can run the driver update app manually when you want to run it (unneeded process)

    StillImageMonitor - keep if using or have scanner attached

    Eraser - optional, can run manually when needed

    Quick Time Task - remove (wasted resources)

    Reg Sweep - User optional, can run manually

    Printkey2000 - run manually



    Reminder - Optional - remove

    LoadPowerProfile - you have 2 of these, you can safely stop one
    FadedMaster's Avatar
    FadedMaster Posts: 1,510, Reputation: 148
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #16

    Apr 15, 2010, 08:41 PM

    @Curlyben: I know Spybot is lacking, especially compared to Malwarebytes, but I brought it up because I figured it would work better with 98. Also, I recommended posting his HijackThis log here so that we can help him out from there. At the very least it gives us a better snapshot of what is on his system.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #17

    Apr 15, 2010, 09:05 PM
    Okay. So, it looks like most ot the programs running in the background can be turned off.

    Corect?
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
    		  
    #18

    Apr 15, 2010, 09:08 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by FadedMaster View Post
    I would run Hijack This and post the log. Then you can just check what we tell you to and it gets rid of it. It looks like you have a few things that Hijack This will help with. It also searches other areas garbage can hang out.

    HijackThis - Trend Micro USA

    MyWebSearch stands out to me right away. It's garbage.

    I would also run a scan with Spybot Search & Destroy (The home of Spybot-S&D!). And Malwarebytes (Malwarebytes). I'm not sure if both will work on 98 though.
    What is Hijack, please?
    FadedMaster's Avatar
    FadedMaster Posts: 1,510, Reputation: 148
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #19

    Apr 17, 2010, 02:29 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    What is Hijack, please?
    From the link I posted:

    Trend Micro HijackThis is a free utility that generates an in depth report of registry and file settings from your computer. HijackThis makes no separation between safe and unsafe settings in its scan results giving you the ability to selectively remove items from your machine. In addition to this scan and remove capability HijackThis comes with several tools useful in manually removing malware from a computer.

    IMPORTANT: HijackThis does not determine what is good or bad. Do not make any changes to your computer settings unless you are an expert computer user.
    So basically it generates a report which tells us what is set to run at startup, some Internet Explorer settings, etc. Basically it scans the most common places where we will find forms of malware and then you can check options for removal.

    But if you post the resulting log (when ran it will give you the option to just generate a log file), then we can tell you what needs to be checked in that log.
    seahwk83's Avatar
    seahwk83 Posts: 3,276, Reputation: 212
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #20

    Apr 18, 2010, 01:58 PM

    You should be able to stop the above from starting with msconfig - take the checks out in the startup tab and apply

    As mentioned above, hijackthis can run a scan on the computer and show you what is configured to run on startup

    Here is the link, you can download and scan and after a scan, post the log that comes up.
    HijackThis - Trend Micro USA

    Would suggest to use msconfig to remove ones mentioned above and on a fresh restart, use the scan option in hijackthis and post the scan results.

    This can help in seeing if other items you may have could be disabled if not necessary resource
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Are IBM Compatible Computer Power Supplies Interchangeable? [ 2 Answers ]

Hi, All! The title is my first question. Are they interchangeable? I've got a couple of computers that won't start, and I suspect that it's the power supplies that are the problem. I also have a couple other computers, where I could take the power supplies out of them and try them in the...

Can't delete file, even with no programs running [ 3 Answers ]

I was downloading my favorite song and its remixs when I noticed a 5000kb file downloaded instantly (limewire) I then tried to play the mp3 file and it wouldn't play, so I'm trying to delete it and my PC is telling me that a "person or program is currently using the file" I can't delete this...

Programs running in background [ 2 Answers ]

How do I determine what programs are running in the background and how do I turn them off? Are these the same as the things listed under Processes in the Windows Task Manager?

Programs running in background [ 2 Answers ]

Ok, I am a computer idiot so I figured I would reach out for a little help. I know that I have a bunch of crap running in the background bogging down my computer. I looked at my "Processes" tab on the task manager and I have 54 items listed and it is using up a good amount of memory. Many of these...

Programs Running In Background (Windows XP) [ 3 Answers ]

I have a lot of programs already automatically running in the background when I log on to Windows, what program can I use to choose what programs automatically run when I log onto Windows? Or is there already one on Windows? Thanks.

View more questions Search