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Logging off and opening programmes using icons

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Jacobowicz, 2008/12/22.

  1. 2008/12/22
    Jacobowicz

    Jacobowicz Inactive Thread Starter

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    Once I have logged on, when I click on an icon to open a programme I find that it takes a while for the programme to open and to appear. This will apply to Mozilla Firefox in particular.

    Likewise when logging off and closing down from Start, Computer it then takes forever for the next instruction to appear to enable me to shut down and seems to take forever to do this.

    I have defragged etc, you name it I have done it. I am computer literate.

    So is there anyone out there who might have suggestions for me to have a happier Christmas!!:confused:
     
  2. 2008/12/23
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Jacobowicz. Click Start< Run and type msconfig and press enter. Click the Startup tab. Uncheck any startup items that you know you don't use and press ok. If you don't know what startup programs to disable then post them here.

    Also to improve your shut down speed follow these steps:

    1. Go to Start then select Run
    2. Type regedit and click Ok
    3. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
    4. Select WaitToKillAppTimeout
    5. Right click it and select Modify
    6. Change the value to 2000 and click Ok
    7. Now browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control
    8. Select WaitToKillServiceTimeout
    9. Right click it and select Modify
    10. Change the value to 2000 and click OK
    11. Close Registry Editor

    If your computer is still slow then go into Control Panel< Add/Remove Programs and remove any programs that you don't use.

    While you are in add/remove programs click the button that says add/remove windows components. Uncheck the checkboxes next to the following items:

    Fax Service
    Indexing Service
    MSN
    Windows Messenger


    When thats done click Next and allow the wizard to remove those components.

    After all of those steps are completed then reboot your computer for the changes to take affect.
     

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  4. 2008/12/23
    mailman Lifetime Subscription

    mailman Geek Member

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    Hello, Jacobowicz.

    While I cannot say whether Evan's advice might solve your problem or not, I do want to be sure people reading this thread are aware that editing the registry (i.e., using regedit) requires CAUTION. :)

    ==========
    DISCLAIMER/CAUTION: Editing/cleaning/repairing your computer's registry is potentially dangerous. You might render your computer unstable or even unbootable. Before you edit/clean/repair your registry with any method, be sure you make a backup of your registry and you know how to access and use that backup in case you muck up your computer.

    If you decide to manually edit your registry, then be sure you are comfortable with editing the registry and I suggest you save a backup of at least the key you edit ahead of time in case you need/want to reverse your changes. Editing the registry can produce serious undesirable consequences if done incorrectly.

    In any case, you should know ahead of time how to restore your original registry settings and prepare to do so in case the need arises.

    I also suggest you create a System Restore point before making any changes (regardless of what method you use). System Restore may be accessed as follows.
    • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
    ==========
     
    Last edited: 2008/12/23
  5. 2008/12/24
    Jacobowicz

    Jacobowicz Inactive Thread Starter

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    Slow Cpmputer on shutdown etc...

    Thank you Mailman and Evans Omo for your input.

    I am inclined to take the advice of Mailman cos if it works then leave it alone.

    I am one of those individuals that as soon as the word regedit is mentioned I clam up. However I do take on board the comment by Evans Omo on the add/remove scenario but can assure him that unwanted programmes are removed.

    May I take the opportunity to wish you and ALL the other 'helpers' who along the way have been there for me, a very happy Christmas coupled with a happy and peaceful new year.
    ;)
     
  6. 2008/12/25
    ephemarial

    ephemarial Well-Known Member

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    One possible reason is insufficient memory for what you’re doing and windows having to use virtual memory (your hard disk) too much.

    Do a ctrl-alt-del to open task manager, performance tab and see how much physical memory is available and what’s the commit charge (virtual) that’s being used and available. Also how many processes do you have running?

    Checking your system specs may have to upgrade that 512mb to 1024 "“ right time of year for it.
     
  7. 2008/12/26
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Jacobowicz, try setting your virtual memory to system managed size to improve performance on your system. Click Start< Right click on My Computer and select properties. Click the Advanced tab< Under where it says Performance, click settings. The Performance Options window will open. Click the advanced tab and under where it says Virtual Memory click Change. The Virtual Memory window will open. Select your harddrive and set the option to system managed size. When thats done click the set button and then click ok. Reboot for the change to take affect.
     
  8. 2008/12/26
    Jacobowicz

    Jacobowicz Inactive Thread Starter

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    [FONT= "Verdana"][/FONT]

    Thank you for your advice.

    Looking at the System Management size I find the following :-

    Space Available : 53268Mb
    Unit Size : 756Mb:
    Max Size : 1512Mb

    Minimum : 2Mb
    Recommended : 754Mb

    On the above information shown, it would appear that I have more than the recommended size of 754Mb. I am reluctant to change to System Managed Size, unless of course you think otherwise.

    Meanwhile thanks once again
    :rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: 2008/12/26
  9. 2008/12/26
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Well its really up to you. If you want you can change the Page file to system managed, reboot and see if you notice a speed increase. If you notice that your computer is slower after rebooting then you can change the page file back to the values that were in your above post. IMO system managed is more flexible because Windows will change your page file if it needs to and I have always set it to that option on all the systems that I have worked on.
     
  10. 2008/12/27
    Jacobowicz

    Jacobowicz Inactive Thread Starter

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    Good morning Evan Omo

    I did what you stated and when I changed it following your suggestion previously, I did NOT notice any significant difference, in fact slightly worse, then was previous.

    However I shall keep on board you suggestion.

    May I, at this point, wish you a very happy, peaceful and healthy 2009.


    :)
     
  11. 2008/12/27
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Yes you can. Have a great Happy New Year. :)
     

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