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How to Shut Off Startup Programs (Windows)
You might not even realize it, but when you first log onto your PC, dozens of programs and services are starting that you most likely don't need. Some rear their ugly heads in the system tray (that little collection of icons next to the clock in Windows), but others run quietly in the background with you none the wiser.
Now, don't get scared, these instructions will take you to corners of your operating system (OS) you may not have seen before, but follow our instructions below and you should notice slightly quicker performance and potentially much faster boot times.
Windows:
- In XP select Run from the Start menu, under Vista you can hit the Windows key and "r" at the same time to bring up the Run dialog.
- Run msconfig.
- Select the Services tab.
- You can safely uncheck the following services: Fast User Switching (if you only have one account on the PC), Indexing Service, Remote Registry, Smart Card, Telephony, Computer Browser (unless you have a home network), Messenger, Net Logon, Telnet, Terminal Services, NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing, Remote Desktop Help Session Manager, Uninterpretable Power Supply.
- Now navigate to the Startup tab.
- Uncheck any applications that don't need to be running the minute you startup your computer -- like AIM, iTunes Helper, and QT Task. But leave the antivirus.
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Comments
108
Subscribe to commentsSherriFeb 12th 2009 3:07PM
Thanks so much for the information. It really helped my computer. I am just learning to do more than the very basics and appreciate any help I can get.
JimMar 8th 2009 9:28PM
No thanks from my pc.......the changes screwed up the start up & brought up all sorts of warnings including go back to normal set-up. Remember the old saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Richard McDonaldFeb 12th 2009 3:55PM
It has been suggested that to speed up a computer, certain startup services can be disabled. One suggested service is telephony. I have found on my computer running Windows XP that if this service is disabled, then AOL is unable to access the Internet.
DickFeb 12th 2009 4:02PM
I just unchecked Telephony and had no problem connecting to the internet afterwards.
PamiFeb 12th 2009 4:35PM
The only problem I have, so far, is not being able to find:
1) Remote Registry
2) Messenger
3) TelNet
Otherwise, okay...also, cannot find AIM under Startup Tab.
Am going to restart to see if all kicks in :)
JanFeb 12th 2009 8:11PM
thank you for your comment about telephony. it messed up my connection as well when it was unchecked but, checked my aol came right back up.
MaryFeb 13th 2009 4:02PM
When I type Run msconfig, tells me windows cannot find it?
zigyFeb 16th 2009 9:16PM
from your comment, it sounds like you are using the AOL software rather than AOL webmail; dumping the AOL software speeded my machine up more than anything else. AOL is a resource hog.
I can still get all my aol email, etc, but the sofware is not on my machine (I use Firefox as browser and it is so much faster and cleaner than AOL or IE).
matyMar 3rd 2009 4:01PM
@ Mary:
You need to type Run and msconfig separately.
Start -> Run (if you're using Vista, its listed under All Programs->Accessories), then into the box type:
msconfig
Then press return. Nothing but msconfig should be in the run box!
Hope that helps!
richardFeb 12th 2009 4:44PM
You are soooo right, how ironic that AOL gives advice on how not to get AOL. Another nice job guys.
Pjmr1019Feb 12th 2009 4:40PM
Am trying to restart..will let you kmow how it goes ;)
GaryFeb 12th 2009 5:05PM
How do you get to the Run Command when using Vista OS?
jeffrieFeb 12th 2009 6:07PM
i can't find run on vista
BridgetFeb 12th 2009 7:45PM
just type in run in the search area
JessicaFeb 20th 2009 12:55PM
You can just type msconfig in the search box you get when you click on the windows flag (start button)
sunking0426Apr 30th 2009 12:20PM
Vista you can hit the Windows key and "r" at the same time to bring up the Run dialog
JonFeb 12th 2009 5:14PM
what about vista OS... where do you go on here?
NoelFeb 12th 2009 5:17PM
FYI. be careful about shutting off any network remote access because Anti-virus needs access to automatically update virus dictionary
JeanFeb 14th 2009 5:12PM
I tried some of these suggestions with my Vista program and now my computer is TOTALLY screwed up! I have called AOL for help and they can't help. I am going to have to take my computer for repair was the suggestion they had for me.
BillFeb 12th 2009 5:28PM
I guess it would depend if you were useing a modem or a high speed internet conection, if telephony could be disabled, not used with a cable modem.