Speed up Windows by changing the System Configuration Utility (msconfig) or using CCleaner
Posted in Computer Guides on 08/24/2009 03:09 pm by Mr. Boulanger Share on FacebookTo speed up Windows, it is necessary for you to choose the list of programs which should automatically load with Windows. Not all programs need to but if they do, they will slow down your computer a lot. This article will show you 2 techniques to keep resident programs in check.
The graal of any program installed on your computer is to become a “resident”. A resident program sets itself to start with Windows and remains in memory throughout your whole session. These programs may show up as icons in the system tray but most of the time they remain silent and only show up in the task manager list of processes.
Many programs are greedy in that respect, but some of the worst offenders which are found on most computers are: Adobe Reader, While these programs may be useful, they do not need to be preloaded.Quick Time, Real Player, or Java because any program loaded in the memory takes away some of that memory and makes Windows noticeable slower to boot.
In order to remove some of these programs, you may want to use a dedicated application, such as CCleaner, or simply try the System Configuration Utility.
Using CCleaner
- Download CCleaner from filehippo
- Install (I suggest unchecking all options but “Install in Start Menu”)
- Run CCleaner and go to Tools > Startup
- Choose items to disable
- Restart your computer
Using System Configuration Utility
- Click Start > Run
- Type in msconfig
- Click on Startup
- Uncheck items you want to disable
- Restart your computer and disable the warning message
Which programs should not start with Windows?
Both solutions will allow you to disable startup programs, but which programs are essential (antivirus…) and which should you remove (updates…)?
I usually remove all the HP update programs, Google update, qttask (from Apple Quicktime), realsched (from Real player), any Adobe prelauncher, iTunes helper (except if you sync your iPod with iTunes but I prefer MediaMonkey)
To find out more about these programs, run a search in Google for each command handle, or check with database such as the one maintained by Bleeping Computer to make sure you are removing an unecessary program: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/
e.g: according to Google, rthdcpl.exe in the screenshot above triggers the Realtek HD Audio Control Panel for my soundcard so i will keep it