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Windows Task Manager....

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by littlelively

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I would like to know exactly what windows programs are necessary to be running after I start my computer, I have Windows xp home edition, and when I bring up the task Manager I have between 70-90 prog. running. My friend's comp. (with xp) has only about 33. Can some one tell me which ones are needed, so I can fix this mess?

10 replies

by jamesrl

It depends on what software you have installed, what options you have running in terms of control panel settings etc.

I highly recommend taking a look at your list in the process library - www.processlibrary.com - and doing a search. This will help you identify.

I would suggest you do a very thorough test of your computer for spyware/malware. I personally use Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad Aware. I understand Microsoft has a pretty good beta anti-spyware product.

I would also remove any software you aren't using.

You can do a little diagnostic check by going to the run command and running msconfig. I would suggest turning off all non-Microsoft and anti-virus vendor services and seeing what happens.

Good luck - let us know what you find.

James

by gesusfreek

My problem is along the same lines as littlelively's that was posted recently and you're advice would be most helpful except for one problem: when i try to open the task manager, it will display for about a second and then disapear. This is a recent problem. I have recently purchased a virus protection program, a firewall, and a spyware scanner and am as certain as I can be that my system is clean of spyware and the like. If you or anyone else has any ideas on what could be going on, I would greatly appreciate it.

by jamesrl

One of you last options might be to take your hard drive and mount it as the slave in another computer, than scan and clean it. If you do, be sure that the computer you use is up to date with virus definitions and MS updates.

As for seeing whats running, there are other options as well. If you are on XP, run MSCONFIG from the command line. I also use a startup manager to do something similar. There are lots of freeware ones.

James

by husp1

I personaly use 3 antispy programs rather then one.also have a copy of the last build of mcafee stinger. you can use stinger without having a conflict with your other antivirus program. recomend that you try the following first..download a copy of spy-bot s&d, ad-aware SE. and the trial version of webroots spysweeper. install and update then run each. on the AV you purchused if you scan this site opinons on AV differ. I personaly recomend the AVG antivirus. I have removed Norton (with currnt updates) off several systems installed AVG and found lots of viri. Good luck!!

by gesusfreek

A couple more questions...how would I make one computer a slave of another? I couldn't do that through USB could I? Firewire maybe?
Also, what would you recommend as a startup manager?

by jamesrl

Install it in another computer as the "slave" drive - second drive. Most IDE cables will have 2 connections, if not, buy a new cable. Most newer HDs have the jumper settings on the drive itself. Or you could buy one of those kits to make it an external USB drive, but its a lot of money for one time.

James

by ole88

I have yet to see a computer built after 2001 that needed to have the jumpers on the HDD changed to insert it as a slave. All the ones I have opened up brand new have come with the jumper set to "Cable Select." This means that the drive and controller talk and the controller sets it as the primary or slave drive based on the connector on the cable it is plugged in with. So all you should need to do is pull the hard drive out of the suspect machine and install it into a known good machine on the primary IDE cable (has the hard drive on it) using the available connector on the cable.

by ruairi

Sounds like a lot of processes, I have a few things running and have about 40 open right now.
I would want to be sure the system is clean so run online virus scans - (they will prompt you to instal some active x controls -let them)
TREND:
http://housecall-beta.trendmicro.com/en/start_corp.asp
PANDA: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm

and spy/adware cleaners
SPYBOT: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10289035.html?tag=lst-0-2

AdAware: http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

If you are a good reader and have lots of time, your on-board help and support and MS Knowledge Base will have all the answers.. use msconfig as already mentioned above, type 'msconfig.exe' into start/help and support/search window FIRST, learn what msconfig can tell you.
Happy hunting

by ruairi

Start your comp in safe mode, this boots your comp without startup menu programs and only what the os needs to run. Look at the processes tag in task manager and compare to the same list when you boot normally

by craig herberg

You should start out by running a full virus scan and spyware program. Then, you can Google running programs to see what they are. What you need depends on your hardware and software applications.

Good luck.

Craig Herberg

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