Start up menu

I assume you are referring to the Startup items in msconfig. If not, that's where you need to go.

None of the Startup items in Startup folder under Programs or in msconfig Startup tab are required for Windows to run. Some may be needed for software such as anti-virus, CD burning, or task scheduling.

To separate the wheat from the chaff may take some trial and error if you are not familar with all your software. However, you won't stop Windows by removing any of the entries.

Everyone wants to be spoon fed, but life just doesn't work that way. If you don't have the time to do it correctly, then obtain the services of a qualified technician to do it for you.

Dalton

Hi

Like Willcomp says, you will have to determine what each entry does yourself. This is easier than you may think. Each entry in the Startup folder will be a shortcut. If you right-click each shortcut in turn, and select Properties, you will see the path to the folder that contains the original file. The name of the folder will tell you which program the shortcut is associated with, and it will then be up to you to determine if you need it or if it is essential.

If you really do not know what each program does then add a comment after your question and list the entries in your startup folder, and their paths. Someone may have the time to tell you what each program is for...

Good luck

If you are looking at

Start/
Programs/
Startup:

You don't "need" any programs there.

Most of the programs that have shortcuts placed in the Startup Menu are application helper programs.

I have 2 programs in my XP Startup menu.
A launcher for my digital camera, and my screensaver.

I suggest 2 things:

Run a spy-ware check program such as AdAware, or SpyBot Search and Destroy.

Then, right click on EVERY icon in your system tray and determine if you really need it to run all the time. Disable those that you don't use all the time.

Your anti-virus and firewall software are the only things you really "need".

If you are talking about the startup tab in msconfig, that is a bit more involved to check.

Many services for hardware devices and applications are listed on the startup tab.

Read the path in the command column to determine what the program is.

I have 6 startup entries for my firewall and anti-virus software.

There are a number of startup monitor utilities that can help you list and control startup.

I found this one on a quick look at www.nonags.com under Power tools.

http://www.e-systems.ro/dwin_startup_manager.htm

Chas

Personally I find that for those whom are not totally comfortable removing items if they are not sure of there purpose, Spybot S&D is a quick and easy tool. In the advance mode of Spybot (which is free for personal and corp use) under Tools there is a System Startup view. This allows you to check or uncheck Windows startup programs. This includeds apps in the Startup group as well as entries in the registry. (Making this a nice tool for novice users, whom should NEVER be modifying their registry files.)

A lot of times programs that you install will add something in that folder.

They are not required to get your computer running, but will make your life a lot easer when you run the program that put it there.

You can as others have said run Spybot and Ad-aware. Here's where you can download them.

Spybot: Cootie Remover
http://tinyurl.com/ziar

Ad-Aware: Cootie Remover
http://tinyurl.com/tek5

Be careful there are wannabe's that try to trick you by having their name almost like Ad-aware.

Download Hijack This: http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt

Anything that is not obvious when you run HJ can be searched for on Google or commented in this forum.

There are programs that will help you, But there is not one you can run and let it do everything for you.

Good Luck Lee