How do I change program launch priority?

I require some guidance on how to permanently change program priorities (the only ways I've found are temporary). Specifically, I want to launch & run IE @ "Above Normal" and lower another program's (Radio365) start/run priority from "High" to "Above Normal ". Either some help w/a direct registry solution or a freebie program suggestion would be much appreciated.
Thanx.

 

-User-
Free? Some on this list claim to do what you want for free.
http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/system/fwstartup.html
and then there is
http://www.greatis.com/security/startuporder.htm
Not Free.
But words you use in your question imply you are referring to a program that does this already.

 

Neither program is auto-run, so these prgs don't help (thanx anyway).

 

As long as you are manually starting these, or starting them at bootup, replace the use of the normal EXE (icon or otherwise) by a batch file, using START and the appropriate priority.

http://www.ss64.com/nt/start.html

 

I have to admit total ignorance re: batch files. I checked the link & figured out how to modify the Radio365 shortcut, but the prg reverts back to its default setting immediately after startup (found an entry for it in the reg, but the same thing happens). As for IE, since it launches from various locations, the shortcut trick won't work & that's about the only thing I could semi-grasp from the link. Any chance you can guide me thru this?
Thanx.

 

On your desktop, create a file called TEST.txt

Open it in Notepad and add the following line

start /high /min c:\windows\notepad.exe

Save the file, and then rename it to have a BAT extension. (ie: TEST.bat)

Double click on it.

You should find Notepad starts, and is minimized and is running at Priority 13 (High)

With this as an example, create one for your Radio365 application, and then use the new BAT file to start it, vs the original icon.

Similarly, IE can open from multiple places, but can you not just standardize on a new one, and then use your newly created BAT file under a new icon?

 

The test.bat & modifications of it work fine, but when I try 1 for Radio365, I get a popup reading "Windows cannot find 'C:\Program'. "! The path is entered correctly so I don't know what the problem is. Anyway, I suspect that its setting would revert back the same way it does w/the modified shortcut or the reg tweak. Re: IE - since it opens from OE, Favorites links, etc., I just can't see it. Thanx anyway.

 

Anytime the path or name is longer than 8 characters, it needs to have quotes around it.

IE: For Msn Messenger

start C:\ "Program Files "\ "MSN Messenger "\msnmsgr.exe

 

That fixed the BAT (I had tried using quotes, but never thot of trying that configuration). As I suspected, however, the priority reverted right away. Looks like I need another type of approach (still hoping for a reg or prg solution).

 

What are you using to check the priority?

When I did the Notepad test, I used Process Explorer, and the priority does get set correctly. And, one I just did with IE worked correctly.

If it is being "reset ", potentially, it could be the application itself that is doing it?

 

The prg is definitely resetting itself. It even continues to revert no matter how often it's changed w/ProcessExplorer. Looks like I should give up on it (hope they tone things down for the next v.) & just concentrate on IE.

 

The only place IE should start from is
"X:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe "
where X is the drive letter of your system drive - usually C: so
"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe "

 

For sure, but the question remains: how do I increase its priority so that it runs @ 'AboveNormal' no matter how it's launched (or is this even possible)?

 

The default priority is part of the program code and I don't think the user can make a permanent change.

The batch file START trick that WhitPhil posted is the best way I know of to change it when the application starts but is only a session change. Same for starting it then using task manager to make a change.

The task manager trick may (may) last until you reboot. Not sure and it may only last until you close the application.

 

Unless you are referring to various shortcuts in different loacation I have to agree with Newt. I myself ran into problem with multiple shortcuts for IE. So I wound up with just one in the Taskbar.

This may or may not fit the case here but here goes anyway

If you should be referring to programs launching at boot up, I suggest you forget it.

Again, if I am thinking correctly about them trying to load at start up, I find it next to impossible to control them. Also if they both happen to attempt loading at the same time it may well be just causing problems also.

I have found it best ( in ALL versions of Windows ) that as little as possible be loaded at bootup. Wait till Windows gets FULLY loaded and then start the programs one at a time. And let one settle out before starting the next one.

And just because the program may appear on the Desktop does not really mean it is fully loaded. Just watch the little red light on the case sometime. And at times that does not mean a thing either.

I spent 1/2 hour today on a 98SE machine because a teenager got in a hurry.

It took me A LLOOONNGGG time to learn to sit back and wait a few minutes after I started this XP Pro machine. I have learned to turn it on and walk away.

BillyBob

 

I'm really surprised that there seems to be no way to permanently adjust priorities unless a prg's GUI allows it. (Sure know what you mean about loading @ bootup, tho - got my autoruns & services well trimmed back & it still takes >2 minutes!) Think I'll take your advice & just forget it for now (maybe a prg that does these tricks will come along).

 

Just beat my Wife at a game of Golf so I figured I would drop back here to see what was up. I just wish the $25,000.00 dollars I won was real

I have no real solid idea as to how long this machine really takes to boot.

98% of the time I just turn it on on my way by to my first cup of coffee in the AM. And it is up when I get back. And unless somthing really needs it, it does not get shutdown till around this time of night.

But. I do have to say that it does seem to boot MUCH quicker when I am not sitting here watching it.

How does the old saying go ? Something like " A watched pot never boils."

BillyBob

 

Also I find that if I am not sitting here watching the less chance of me messing with the keybaord or mouse.

At one time ( a LONG time ago ) I mistakingly/carelessly clicked the mouse and wound up with a problems.

BillyBob

 

Found it!!

Sorry to be dredging up such an old thread, but I just stumbled across a freebee prg that does the trick - "Prio v.1.9" @ www.prnwatch.com/prio.html ('discovered' @ www.freeware-guide.com/html/updates.html). It supplements the WindowsTaskManager in several ways, including adding the ability to 'permanently' save changes to launch priorities. Very nice little prg.