Startup Program Manager

How do you know which programs are necessary for your computer when it first boots up? Is there a set list of basics for XP?

This is what I have now:
hpsysdrv
RECGUARD
NvCpl
S3tray2
gcasServ
Bootskin
jusched
ps2
usb
KBD
NeroCheck
HPWuSchd2
qttask
ViewMgr
AOLSoftware (I have Earthlink)
ccApp
IPMon32
IPClient
SpywareBlocker
mssysmgr
(this is just a blank spot here...)
PlaxoHelper
CTdetect
(Another Blank...)
TaskPanl
Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
Adobe Gamma Loader
Adobe Reader Speed Launch
HP Digital Imaging Monitor
HP Image Zone Fast Start
Adobe Gamma
Office Startup


I don't think I need these "fast/quick start" things, as I don't use the main programs in the first place. I have Earthlink, so I don't think I need the AOL one either. Although I am concerned about the blank spots...they just show up in msconfig.

 

Try Startup Control Panel from http://www.mlin.net

 

OK, so I can't do what that does just through msconfig? Cause msconfig already lets me check and uncheck what I want and gives me the location of programs.

 

Actually it gives you more functionality because it lists programs that are not listed in msconfig and would have to be edited in the Registry.
Your question is one I often receive and the only answer I have been able to give is to google each program.
For example:
hpsysdrv
When I google i get a link to a page that tells me:
hpsysdrv.exe is a utility from HP which monitors how many recoveries have been made in Microsoft Office suite. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling this is down to user preference

I am going to follow this thread to see if anyone has good internet sites that list many startup programs so it will be easy to look them up.

 

You can go to this site to find out what each of them do and whether they're needed or not. Do a search for each entry in the startup list.

 

A site i use to check out "things" is:

http://filext.com/

savagcl

 

Thank you!

I went from

This:
hpsysdrv
RECGUARD
NvCpl
S3tray2
gcasServ
Bootskin
jusched
ps2
usb
KBD
NeroCheck
HPWuSchd2
qttask
ViewMgr
AOLSoftware (I have Earthlink)
ccApp
IPMon32
IPClient
SpywareBlocker
mssysmgr
(this is just a blank spot here...)
PlaxoHelper
CTdetect
(Another Blank...)
TaskPanl
Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
Adobe Gamma Loader
Adobe Reader Speed Launch
HP Digital Imaging Monitor
HP Image Zone Fast Start
Adobe Gamma
Office Startup

to This:
hpsysdrv
RECGUARD
NvCpl
S3tray2
Bootskin
ps2
usb
KBD
AOLSoftware (I have Earthlink)
ccApp
SpywareBlocker
CTdetect
TaskPanl
Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
Adobe Gamma Loader
Adobe Gamma
Office Startup


So I fixed unneeded startup programs, now to move on to the services tab in msconfig.

 

Suggest that "Office Startup ", "QTTask" and "CTDetect" can be unchecked
also without any harm done. Office Startup can be a resource hog and
does nothing except make starting of office a little faster.

As far as the AOL software, WinAmp (if you have it) depends on some
AOL programs for something (Internet radio comes to mind).
Best to check with earthlink before removing any AOL files.

Knocked it down a good bit i see.

savagcl

 

ipdrummer--Unless you know exactly what you are doing, I would suggest you leave Services alone. There are too many interrelated dependencies (one service needs another to function).
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm
See second paragraph in red.
But, of course, read on if you wish to learn more.

 

Hello lpdrummer,

Had a discussion on this issue last year. I do tend to agree with Jim and those that say leave the Services alone, but there are security issues with some services. You'll see that in the cross-link to another site.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=45468&highlight=blackviper

The bottom line is if you want to persue this, then make sure you understand what you're doing and can recover from any mistake.

The Services applets - double click on a service line - have a dialog box showing the dependencies.

Regards - Charles