Guest Shrikant Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my hard disk. -- Shrikant
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding "Shrikant" <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:8EBEF67F-BCB3-4AAB-B4B7-ED2245E3AF2B@microsoft.com... > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on > right > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other > Icon > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start > up ? > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to > boot > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on > my > hard disk. > > -- > Shrikant Run msconfig.exe, then click the Startup tab and untick all items other than your virus scanner and software firewall (if you have one). This will disable all startup tasks. Later on, when you find that something no longer works, restore the tick mark for this task.
Guest Gerry Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding You can disable these start-up items most like from within the software. Alternatively by using Autoruns. A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up items is to use Autoruns. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting, or you can can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than editing the Registry. Another useful feature of the programme is that you can right click an item and select Search Online to get information about the item selected. -- Hope this helps. Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shrikant wrote: > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. > The booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' > icons on right hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP > Product Update'. Other Icon says "Keep your computer uptodate", then > another Icon says "safely romove hardware". They get loaded one by > one with the pop up messages as each one gets loaded. Can it be > eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? Is there any > way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot up > the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action > on my hard disk.
Guest Shrikant Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Thanks Pegasus and Gerry. Your info was very useful. I find that Autorun lists far more start up programs than does the config.exe Why is this ? I am now in a bigger dilemma. The list of startup programs are mind boggling. I now understand what the pandora's box is. I just can not decide which one to delete and which one to keep. Therefore, I am keeping this operation to some future date when I am mentally prepared to undertake this task. Thanks a lot anyway. -- Shrikant "Gerry" wrote: > > You can disable these start-up items most like from within the software. > Alternatively by using Autoruns. > > A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up items is > to use Autoruns. > http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx > > With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting, > or you can can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck > you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than > editing the Registry. Another useful feature of the programme is that > you can right click an item and select Search Online to get information > about the item selected. > > > -- > > > > Hope this helps. > > Gerry > ~~~~ > FCA > Stourport, England > Enquire, plan and execute > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > > > Shrikant wrote: > > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. > > The booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' > > icons on right hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP > > Product Update'. Other Icon says "Keep your computer uptodate", then > > another Icon says "safely romove hardware". They get loaded one by > > one with the pop up messages as each one gets loaded. Can it be > > eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? Is there any > > way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot up > > the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action > > on my hard disk. > > >
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my > hard disk. My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in the morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done booting. I don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to start automatically. However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but others have no effect on performance. Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get more information about these at http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, try google searches and ask about specifics here. Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message news:OnKW%23rfLJHA.3764@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > > You can disable these start-up items most like from within the software. > Alternatively by using Autoruns. > > A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up items is > to use Autoruns. > http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves his virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no danger. Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible.
Guest Gerry Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Pegasus Msconfig is a troubleshooting tool and not one for making permanent changes. You can disable but not remove an item. To remove an item the user is tempted to use regedit to remove the unwanted item. This can lead to serious problems for an inexperienced user if they get it wrong. Autoruns not only reveals more start-up items but contains the ability to both disable and to remove an unwanted item. It also contains an easy way to learn more about a start-up item. Removal using Autoruns is less likely to lead to problems leading to a damaged registry. Msconfig was written before 2001. I suspect it has not been changed since that time. Autoruns has been developed to go beyond what msconfig offers and is still being updated. It is more user friendly than msconfig and in recent years has become extremely popular. I do not understand why you continue to promote the use of msconfig when a user seeking help would find Autoruns more helpful. That is not to say that Msconfig does not still have a role to play in some situations. -- Regards. Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pegasus (MVP) wrote: > "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message > news:OnKW%23rfLJHA.3764@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> >> You can disable these start-up items most like from within the >> software. Alternatively by using Autoruns. >> >> A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up >> items is to use Autoruns. >> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx > > I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves > his virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no > danger. Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible.
Guest Shrikant Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding I off my computer after every session because I am afraid it will increase power bill. I am not familiar with the 'hibernation' mode - I do not think it is available in PC. I was using it in my laptop. I am also afraid that the hard disk will wear out faster becuase I understand that hard disk keeps rotating when the PC is on - even when we are not retrieving data from hard disk. Another concern for too many start up programs is that it may slow down my computer even after it has start up - as it may load my CPU and Memory. Barring above three concerns, I agree with you that the start up time is not important. It is probably carry forward mentality from the old PC days with absolutely low quality level of the hardware as compared with the todays sturdy models. I would like to have guidance on above three points. We can call it personal 'Attitude' problems with our PC. -- Shrikant "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote: > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant > <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > > > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right > > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon > > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? > > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot > > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my > > hard disk. > > > My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it > takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is > otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most > people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In > the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't > very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in the > morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done booting. I > don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. > > However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what > programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them > from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start > automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to > start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not > just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped > that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run > line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to > start automatically. > > However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of > running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell > you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs > you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but > others have no effect on performance. > > Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do > is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what > the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get > more information about these at > http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, > try google searches and ask about specifics here. > > Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed > decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup >
Guest Shrikant Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding What does the words MVP denote (which is affixed to your name)? Just curiious. -- Shrikant "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote: > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant > <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > > > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right > > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon > > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? > > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot > > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my > > hard disk. > > > My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it > takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is > otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most > people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In > the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't > very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in the > morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done booting. I > don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. > > However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what > programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them > from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start > automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to > start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not > just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped > that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run > line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to > start automatically. > > However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of > running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell > you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs > you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but > others have no effect on performance. > > Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do > is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what > the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get > more information about these at > http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, > try google searches and ask about specifics here. > > Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed > decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup >
Guest Daave Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Gerry wrote: >>> A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up >>> items is to use Autoruns. Pegasus wrote: >> I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves >> his virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no >> danger. Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible. Gerry wrote: > Removal using Autoruns is less likely to lead to problems leading to > a damaged registry. Since all msconfig actions are fully reversible, how is using it more likely to result in a damaged registry? I can see how it may result in junk entries. That is, if you use msconfig to disable a startup program like qttask, you will eventually get another entry for it that is enabled. But I'm not sure this causes any actual damage!
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding *** See below. "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message news:OOCm3OhLJHA.5704@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > Pegasus > > Msconfig is a troubleshooting tool and not one for making permanent > changes. *** Why not? The change is actually permanent - it's just that msconfig.exe *** creates a backup copy of the disabled entries, allowing you to undo the *** change any time you like. I think this is one of the great features of *** msconfig: You cannot do any permanent damage! >You can disable but not remove an item. *** Items are perhaps not "removed" in the registry but they are *** certainly moved to a location where they have no effect. > To remove an item the user is tempted to use regedit to remove the > unwanted item. This can lead to serious problems for an inexperienced user > if they get it wrong. *** It is therefore the action taken subsequently to running msconfig *** that could be risky, not msconfig itself. > Autoruns not only reveals more start-up items but contains the ability to > both disable and to remove an unwanted item. It also contains an easy way > to learn more about a start-up item. Removal using Autoruns is less likely > to lead to problems leading to a damaged registry. *** I have two minor issues with Autoruns: *** a) Once an item is removed, it's gone for good. *** b) It is not a native Windows tool. Some people won't use such tools. > Msconfig was written before 2001. I suspect it has not been changed since > that time. *** AFAIK, msconfig.exe was released for WinXP, hence in 2002. *** It has not changed functionally (for compatibility reasons, OS *** utilities never change!) but it has been updated with the various *** service packs. >Autoruns has been developed to go beyond what msconfig offers and is still >being updated. It is more user friendly than offers and is still being >updated. It is more user friendly than msconfig and in recent years has >become extremely popular. I do not understand why you continue to promote >the use of msconfig when a user seeking help would find Autoruns more >helpful. That is not to say that Msconfig does not still have a role to >play in some situations. *** I recommend it for these reasons: *** - It is a native tool, hence it exists on all WinXP PCs. *** - It is extremely safe to use. *** - It does its job very well. *** If there is a native Windows tool that does the job then I always *** recommend it. If there isn't then I will cheerfully recommend a *** third-party tool. Psexec.exe is one that I mention very often. It *** comes from the same stable as Autoruns.
Guest Gerry Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Daave You can disable but not remove an item. To remove an item the user is tempted to use regedit to remove the unwanted item. This can lead to serious problems for an inexperienced user if they get it wrong. Autoruns is a better approach. -- Regards. Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daave wrote: > Gerry wrote: > >>>> A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up >>>> items is to use Autoruns. > > Pegasus wrote: > >>> I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves >>> his virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no >>> danger. Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible. > > Gerry wrote: > >> Removal using Autoruns is less likely to lead to problems leading to >> a damaged registry. > > Since all msconfig actions are fully reversible, how is using it more > likely to result in a damaged registry? I can see how it may result in > junk entries. That is, if you use msconfig to disable a startup > program like qttask, you will eventually get another entry for it > that is enabled. But I'm not sure this causes any actual damage!
Guest Gerry Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Shrikant In my view turning a computer off is better than using hibernation. It ensures that programmes subject to memory leaks release memory, which aids better system performance. It avoids problems often encountered restarting after hibernation. It saves electricity. However Ken was not advocating the use of hibernation. The Microsoft MVP programme is explained in this link: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/ -- Hope this helps. Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shrikant wrote: > I off my computer after every session because I am afraid it will > increase power bill. I am not familiar with the 'hibernation' mode - > I do not think it is available in PC. I was using it in my laptop. > I am also afraid that the hard disk will wear out faster becuase I > understand that hard disk keeps rotating when the PC is on - even > when we are not retrieving data from hard disk. > Another concern for too many start up programs is that it may slow > down my computer even after it has start up - as it may load my CPU > and Memory. Barring above three concerns, I agree with you that the > start up time is not important. It is probably carry forward > mentality from the old PC days with absolutely low quality level of > the hardware as compared with the todays sturdy models. > I would like to have guidance on above three points. We can call it > personal 'Attitude' problems with our PC. > >> On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant >> <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: >> >>> How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop >>> icons. The booting is slow because of actions taking place in the >>> 'tray' icons on right hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for >>> 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon says "Keep your computer uptodate", >>> then another Icon says "safely romove hardware". They get loaded >>> one by one with the pop up messages as each one gets loaded. Can it >>> be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? Is there >>> any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to >>> boot up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see >>> some action on my hard disk. >> >> >> My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it >> takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is >> otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most >> people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In >> the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't >> very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in >> the morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done >> booting. I don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. >> >> However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what >> programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them >> from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start >> automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to >> start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not >> just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped >> that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run >> line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to >> start automatically. >> >> However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of >> running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell >> you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs >> you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but >> others have no effect on performance. >> >> Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do >> is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what >> the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get >> more information about these at >> http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, >> try google searches and ask about specifics here. >> >> Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed >> decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. >> >> -- >> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience >> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:13:02 -0700, Shrikant <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > I off my computer after every session because I am afraid it will increase > power bill. Yes, but for most people, it's not a very high cost. > I am not familiar with the 'hibernation' mode - I do not think it > is available in PC. Yes, it's available, although I don't use it personally. > I was using it in my laptop. > I am also afraid that the hard disk will wear out faster becuase I > understand that hard disk keeps rotating when the PC is on - even when we are > not retrieving data from hard disk. No, it is *not* correct that it will wear out the drive faster. > Another concern for too many start up programs is that it may slow down my > computer even after it has start up - as it may load my CPU and Memory. That can definitely be true, and can be a concern. That's why I said in the message you quoted below "Assuming that the computer's speed is otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about." And remember that your question was "How to speed up computer start up." The point I was making, and still feel strongly about, pertains to startup speed that doesn't also become general running speed, and, as I said, pertains to those people who don't start the computer multiple times each day. > Barring above three concerns, I agree with you that the start up time is not > important. It is probably carry forward mentality from the old PC days with > absolutely low quality level of the hardware as compared with the todays > sturdy models. > I would like to have guidance on above three points. We can call it personal > 'Attitude' problems with our PC. > -- > Shrikant > > > "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote: > > > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant > > <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > > > > > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > > > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right > > > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon > > > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > > > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > > > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? > > > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot > > > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my > > > hard disk. > > > > > > My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it > > takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is > > otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most > > people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In > > the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't > > very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in the > > morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done booting. I > > don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. > > > > However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what > > programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them > > from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start > > automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to > > start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not > > just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped > > that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run > > line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to > > start automatically. > > > > However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of > > running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell > > you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs > > you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but > > others have no effect on performance. > > > > Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do > > is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what > > the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get > > more information about these at > > http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, > > try google searches and ask about specifics here. > > > > Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed > > decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. > > > > -- > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup > > -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:15:01 -0700, Shrikant <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > What does the words MVP denote (which is affixed to your name)? Just curiious. "Most Valuable Professional." It's an award that Microsoft gives to users (not Microsoft employees) who provide accurate and frequent help for their products. I'm personally in my sixth year of this award. Read about the MVP program here: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/ > "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote: > > > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant > > <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > > > > > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > > > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right > > > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon > > > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > > > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > > > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? > > > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot > > > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my > > > hard disk. > > > > > > My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it > > takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is > > otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most > > people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In > > the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't > > very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in the > > morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done booting. I > > don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. > > > > However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what > > programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them > > from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start > > automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to > > start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not > > just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped > > that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run > > line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to > > start automatically. > > > > However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of > > running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell > > you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs > > you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but > > others have no effect on performance. > > > > Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do > > is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what > > the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get > > more information about these at > > http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, > > try google searches and ask about specifics here. > > > > Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed > > decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. > > > > -- > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup > > -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message news:pfq9f4heuvkmhdki6q66t51he4njhp5gs1@4ax.com... >> I was using it in my laptop. >> I am also afraid that the hard disk will wear out faster becuase I >> understand that hard disk keeps rotating when the PC is on - even when we >> are >> not retrieving data from hard disk. > > > No, it is *not* correct that it will wear out the drive faster. I actually agree with the OP: Leaving the computer running *will* wear out the drive faster. After all, a hard disk is a mechanical device, and the life expectancy of all mechanical devices is measured in operating hours. On the other hand the argument is largely academic since the disk will probably outlive the OP, regardless of the turn-on/turn-off times . . . :-)
Guest Gerry Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding xxxx See below Pegasus (MVP) wrote: > *** See below. > > "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message > news:OOCm3OhLJHA.5704@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> Pegasus >> >> Msconfig is a troubleshooting tool and not one for making permanent >> changes. > *** Why not? The change is actually permanent - it's just that > msconfig.exe xxxx You contradict this statement about permanency in your next assertion! xxxx It is a troubleshooting tool. Please refer to the first paragraph of the Summary in: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560/en-us > *** creates a backup copy of the disabled entries, allowing you to > undo the xxxx How do you know that? It disables the entry, which is not the same. > *** change any time you like. I think this is one of the great > features of True but your point equally applies to Autoruns. > *** msconfig: You cannot do any permanent damage! xxxx Do you include the contents of the boot.ini tab in that assertion? > >> You can disable but not remove an item. > *** Items are perhaps not "removed" in the registry but they are xxxx It is true that msconfig only disables? Don't you not know for certain whether the items are removed? > *** certainly moved to a location where they have no effect. xxxx How do you know that ? Are you certain that it is not done by changing a value in the registry? > >> To remove an item the user is tempted to use regedit to remove the >> unwanted item. This can lead to serious problems for an >> inexperienced user if they get it wrong. > *** It is therefore the action taken subsequently to running msconfig > *** that could be risky, not msconfig itself. xxxx True > >> Autoruns not only reveals more start-up items but contains the >> ability to both disable and to remove an unwanted item. It also >> contains an easy way to learn more about a start-up item. Removal >> using Autoruns is less likely to lead to problems leading to a >> damaged registry. > *** I have two minor issues with Autoruns: > *** a) Once an item is removed, it's gone for good. xxxx But removal is less likely to be bungled if Autoruns is used instead of regedit! > *** b) It is not a native Windows tool. Some people won't use such > tools. xxxx It is now a Microsoft offering and downloadable from a Microsoft web site so this justification is weak on substance. > >> Msconfig was written before 2001. I suspect it has not been changed >> since that time. > *** AFAIK, msconfig.exe was released for WinXP, hence in 2002. xxxx Release date for Windows XP was 25 October 2001. The utility was first provided with Windows 98! > *** It has not changed functionally (for compatibility reasons, OS > *** utilities never change!) but it has been updated with the various > *** service packs. xxxx So in essence it is what it was in 2001, which was my original point.? BTW > >> Autoruns has been developed to go beyond what msconfig offers and is >> still being updated. It is more user friendly than offers and is >> still being updated. It is more user friendly than msconfig and in >> recent years has become extremely popular. I do not understand why >> you continue to promote the use of msconfig when a user seeking help >> would find Autoruns more helpful. That is not to say that Msconfig >> does not still have a role to play in some situations. > > *** I recommend it for these reasons: > *** - It is a native tool, hence it exists on all WinXP PCs. xxxx So you ignore all better products just because they are not native tools? > *** - It is extremely safe to use. xxxx So why are there so many reports of problems encountered by persons using msconfig? > *** - It does its job very well. xxxx But only for the items listed! It is no use where the item is not listed! > *** If there is a native Windows tool that does the job then I always > *** recommend it. If there isn't then I will cheerfully recommend a > *** third-party tool. Psexec.exe is one that I mention very often. It > *** comes from the same stable as Autoruns. xxxx When items are not listed in msconfig users can resort to using regedit to find the item giving them grief. If they had been recommended to use Autoruns this is less likely to occur. Of course users will also use msconfig to tinker with services when it is better to access the list of Services in Administrative Tools to make changes. -- Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message news:Obr9RelLJHA.2164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > xxxx See below > Since this appears to develop into a point scoring exercise, I won't continue with this thread other than answering your repeated question "how do you know". To see how msconfig operates, I recommend you do this: 1. Launch regedit.exe. 2. Locate a specific service, e.g. Windows Time. Its details are located here. HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time 3. Examine the msconfig location here: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig Note that the Windows Time service is absent. 4. Use msconfig to deactivate Windows Time. 5. Look at the two above registry location. The Windows Time service was moved from the Services key to the MSConfig key. It is therefore no longer operative. 6. Use msconfig to reactivate Windows Time. 7. Look at the two above registry location. The Windows Time service was returned from the MSConfig key to the Services key. The same principle is used for tasks. It is now clear that msconfig will truly turn off startup tasks and services in a fully reversible mode. I recommend you repeat this exercise with Autoruns. I suspect it uses the same mechanism.
Guest Daave Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message news:%23NpYqdiLJHA.3744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > Daave wrote: >> Gerry wrote: >> >>>>> A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up >>>>> items is to use Autoruns. >> >> Pegasus wrote: >> >>>> I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves >>>> his virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no >>>> danger. Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible. >> >> Gerry wrote: >> >>> Removal using Autoruns is less likely to lead to problems leading to >>> a damaged registry. >> >> Since all msconfig actions are fully reversible, how is using it more >> likely to result in a damaged registry? I can see how it may result >> in >> junk entries. That is, if you use msconfig to disable a startup >> program like qttask, you will eventually get another entry for it >> that is enabled. But I'm not sure this causes any actual damage! > You can disable but not remove an item. To remove an item the > user is tempted to use regedit to remove the unwanted item. This can > lead to serious problems for an inexperienced user if they get it > wrong. If an inexperienced user is tempted to use regedit, I see this more as a case of PEBKAC. I think that Autoruns is a more thorough utility than msconfig, but I wouldn't say it's safer. Although I hear what you're saying, I just can't make the leap to assign the blame to msconfig. Cars may be more dangerous if the driver is drunk, but it's not the car that made the driver drink! Does Autoruns have the ability to undo the deletion of an entry? If not, I would like to suggest a program that does: Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml Then again, the ability to undo the delete disappears if another step is deliberately taken (similar to the idea of emptying the Recycle Bin). In this case, Pegasus raises a good point: Msconfig makes it impossible to delete a startup item or service. It's always waiting in the wings to be re-enabled if the user has a change of heart. In the final analysis, that might be safer (or just more convenient). That being said, I still like Autoruns!
Guest Shrikant Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding It is interesting. -- Shrikant "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote: > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:15:01 -0700, Shrikant > <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > > > What does the words MVP denote (which is affixed to your name)? Just curiious. > > > "Most Valuable Professional." It's an award that Microsoft gives to > users (not Microsoft employees) who provide accurate and frequent help > for their products. I'm personally in my sixth year of this award. > Read about the MVP program here: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/ > > > > "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote: > > > > > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:51:00 -0700, Shrikant > > > <Shrikant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: > > > > > > > How to speed up computer start up ? I have removed all desktop icons. The > > > > booting is slow because of actions taking place in the 'tray' icons on right > > > > hand bottom corner. One of the icons is for 'HP Product Update'. Other Icon > > > > says "Keep your computer uptodate", then another Icon says "safely romove > > > > hardware". They get loaded one by one with the pop up messages as each one > > > > gets loaded. Can it be eliminated thereby speeding up the computer start up ? > > > > Is there any way to speed up the computer ? What is the 'normal time' to boot > > > > up the computer ? Even after my computer gets booted, I see some action on my > > > > hard disk. > > > > > > > > > My personal view is that the attention many people pay to how long it > > > takes to boot is unwarranted. Assuming that the computer's speed is > > > otherwise satisfactory, it may not be worth worrying about. Most > > > people start their computers once a day or even less frequently. In > > > the overall scheme of things, even a few minutes to start up isn't > > > very important. Personally I power on my computer when I get up in the > > > morning, then go get my coffee. When I come back, it's done booting. I > > > don't know how long it took to boot and I don't care. > > > > > > However if you do want to address it, it may be because of what > > > programs start automatically, and you may want to stop some of them > > > from starting that way. On each program you don't want to start > > > automatically, check its Options to see if it has the choice not to > > > start (make sure you actually choose the option not to run it, not > > > just a "don't show icon" option). Many can easily and best be stopped > > > that way. If that doesn't work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run > > > line, and on the Startup tab, uncheck the programs you don't want to > > > start automatically. > > > > > > However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of > > > running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell > > > you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs > > > you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but > > > others have no effect on performance. > > > > > > Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do > > > is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what > > > the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can get > > > more information about these at > > > http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html. If you can't find it there, > > > try google searches and ask about specifics here. > > > > > > Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed > > > decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. > > > > > > -- > > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup > > > > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup >
Guest Kayman Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:58:51 +0200, Pegasus (MVP) wrote: > "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message > news:OnKW%23rfLJHA.3764@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> >> You can disable these start-up items most like from within the software. >> Alternatively by using Autoruns. >> >> A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up items is >> to use Autoruns. >> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx > > I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves his > virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no danger. > Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible. For the experienced user msconfig is "safe" to use. However, the authors of AutoRuns Dr. Mark Russinovich http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/techfellow/Russinovich/default.mspx and Bryce Cogswell assert that "AutoRuns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP." I would argue that this particular utility is better, versatile and more user friendly than msconfig. It may not be a 'pure native' MSFT product but it certainly fires on all cylinders! Also, the inexperienced will find this utility far more educational than msconfig. BTW, 'native' MSFT products may not necessarily superior to 'non-native' products; Windows Live On Care, Defragment and Back-Up applications just stick out like dog balls :-)
Guest John John (MVP) Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Kayman wrote: > On Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:58:51 +0200, Pegasus (MVP) wrote: > > >>"Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message >>news:OnKW%23rfLJHA.3764@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> >>>You can disable these start-up items most like from within the software. >>>Alternatively by using Autoruns. >>> >>>A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up items is >>>to use Autoruns. >>>http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx >> >>I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP leaves his >>virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can see no danger. >>Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible. > > > For the experienced user msconfig is "safe" to use. > However, the authors of AutoRuns Dr. Mark Russinovich > http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/techfellow/Russinovich/default.mspx > and Bryce Cogswell assert that "AutoRuns goes way beyond the MSConfig > utility bundled with Windows Me and XP." > I would argue that this particular utility is better, versatile and more > user friendly than msconfig. It may not be a 'pure native' MSFT product but > it certainly fires on all cylinders! Also, the inexperienced will find this > utility far more educational than msconfig. > BTW, 'native' MSFT products may not necessarily superior to 'non-native' > products; Windows Live On Care, Defragment and Back-Up applications just > stick out like dog balls :-) That is all true but it doesn't mean that Autoruns is completely safe to use, one wrong move in there and the computer may not reboot or the computer may not fire on all cylinders when it does reboots! People who use Autoruns should pay attention to what they are disabling or they may quickly get themselves in a fine mess, certainly novices and less experienced users need to be careful when using this utility and they should not be led to believe that making changes with this utility is completely safe, it isn't! John
Guest Gerry Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Daave My choice of words seems to have generated some debate. All changes are to a certain extent unsafe, especially when the user is inexperienced. Your point is well made. I think I may slightly amend my standard message to place more emphasisis on disabling over using the delete option. Where Autoruns scores is that it provides a more complete list than msconfig. The interface is also more user friendly and, as someone else has pointed out, it can contribute to the user learning more about individual entries. However, I do not feel that either Autoruns or Msconfig should be used to change service settings. It is better to access the list of Services in Administrative Tools to do this. The delete option is not reversible so the user needs to be certain that removal is the right thing to do. Disabling as an intermediate step is sensible if the user is unsure. It's use is most appropriate when the uninstall option of software has left remnants. It is not in my view appropriate for system items. What is a "system item" could lead us to long debate and I suggest that is left for another occasion. -- Regards. Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daave wrote: > "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message > news:%23NpYqdiLJHA.3744@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > >> Daave wrote: >>> Gerry wrote: >>> >>>>>> A safer way than msconfig to disable / remove unwanted start up >>>>>> items is to use Autoruns. >>> >>> Pegasus wrote: >>> >>>>> I'm curious. What's "unsafe" about using msconfig? If the OP >>>>> leaves his virus scanner (and perhaps firewall) active then I can >>>>> see no danger. Furthermore, all actions are fully reversible. >>> >>> Gerry wrote: >>> >>>> Removal using Autoruns is less likely to lead to problems leading >>>> to a damaged registry. >>> >>> Since all msconfig actions are fully reversible, how is using it >>> more likely to result in a damaged registry? I can see how it may >>> result in >>> junk entries. That is, if you use msconfig to disable a startup >>> program like qttask, you will eventually get another entry for it >>> that is enabled. But I'm not sure this causes any actual damage! > >> You can disable but not remove an item. To remove an item the >> user is tempted to use regedit to remove the unwanted item. This can >> lead to serious problems for an inexperienced user if they get it >> wrong. > > If an inexperienced user is tempted to use regedit, I see this more > as a case of PEBKAC. I think that Autoruns is a more thorough utility > than msconfig, but I wouldn't say it's safer. Although I hear what > you're saying, I just can't make the leap to assign the blame to > msconfig. Cars may be more dangerous if the driver is drunk, but it's > not the car that made the driver drink! > > Does Autoruns have the ability to undo the deletion of an entry? If > not, I would like to suggest a program that does: > > Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel: > http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml > > Then again, the ability to undo the delete disappears if another step > is deliberately taken (similar to the idea of emptying the Recycle > Bin). In this case, Pegasus raises a good point: Msconfig makes it > impossible to delete a startup item or service. It's always waiting > in the wings to be re-enabled if the user has a change of heart. In > the final analysis, that might be safer (or just more convenient). > > That being said, I still like Autoruns!
Guest Gerry Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding Pegasus My original post was to help Shrikant solve his problem. I did not invite a minute examination and line by questioning of my approach by another expert. You decided to do that and I do not see why I should rollover without answering the very detailed points you made. Given that I did not initiate or seek an exchange it is hard to see how you see my response as trying to score points. It was a rebuttal of your detailed critique of my post. I will look into your step by step approach to using msconfig in conjunction with time. Thank you. It is not something I have thought to try. -- Regards. Gerry ~~~~ FCA Stourport, England Enquire, plan and execute ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pegasus (MVP) wrote: > "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message > news:Obr9RelLJHA.2164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> xxxx See below >> > > Since this appears to develop into a point scoring exercise, I won't > continue with this thread other than answering your repeated question > "how do you know". To see how msconfig operates, I recommend you do > this: > 1. Launch regedit.exe. > 2. Locate a specific service, e.g. Windows Time. Its details are > located here. > HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time > 3. Examine the msconfig location here: > HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig > Note that the Windows Time service is absent. > 4. Use msconfig to deactivate Windows Time. > 5. Look at the two above registry location. The Windows Time service > was moved from the Services key to the MSConfig key. It is > therefore no longer operative. > 6. Use msconfig to reactivate Windows Time. > 7. Look at the two above registry location. The Windows Time service > was returned from the MSConfig key to the Services key. > > The same principle is used for tasks. It is now clear that msconfig > will truly turn off startup tasks and services in a fully reversible > mode. I recommend you repeat this exercise with Autoruns. I suspect > it uses the same mechanism.
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 15, 2008 Posted October 15, 2008 Re: Computer Booting Speeding "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message news:%23DBEYmuLJHA.3492@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > Pegasus > > My original post was to help Shrikant solve his problem. I did not invite > a minute examination and line by questioning of my approach by another > expert. You decided to do that and I do not see why I should rollover > without answering the very detailed points you made. Given that I did not > initiate or seek an exchange it is hard to see how you see my response as > trying to score points. It was a rebuttal of your detailed critique of my > post. > > I will look into your step by step approach to using msconfig in > conjunction with time. Thank you. It is not something I have thought to > try. You asked several times "How do you know?". I answered your questions. If you prefer not to get involved in a detailed discussion about the merits of one versus the other product then using neutral statements would be a good starting point. Instead of writing "A safer way than msconfig . . ." you might have writen: "An alternative way than msconfig . . ."
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