Help! Computer question!

[MysticSwing]

Can someone tell me how I can find out what's running in the background on my computer? My PC is lagging pretty bad and I was told it was probably because I have to many things running in the background. I have no idea how to check this out. I have Windows XP.

HELP!

 

[Monazwx]

Do you mean accessing the desktop or the screensaver?

You can access both by right clicking on the desktop and selecting properties.

Also, I just recently found out that pics in your picture file can be shown on the desktop.
It's very cool.

 

[Semler]

Press the keys CTRL-ALT-DEL at the same time, but only once. If you do it more than once you'll reboot your computer.

The Windows task manager will pop up. Click the tab labeled "Processes". This will list all the programs currently running.

 

[MysticSwing]

Actually, I would like to know what's running on my PC at start up... (And continuing to run in the background.)

 

[myrgth]

Press the keys CTRL-ALT-DEL at the same time, but only once. If you do it more than once you'll reboot your computer.

The Windows task manager will pop up. Click the tab labeled "Processes". This will list all the programs currently running.

What Semler said.

 

[OSA]

Here's a way to see what's loaded at startup

To see what's loaded at startup for Windows XP, do the following:

Start -> Run
Type regedit *** BE SURE NOT TO CHANGE ANYTHING ***
Locate the following sections as they list the commands launched at startup:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Here's the MSKB article detailing this: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314488

For those running older versions, use this: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;270035

I know the commands listed in regedit associated with the keys I listed may not make sense, but that is what is executed at startup.

Hope that helps.
OSA

 

[glock800]

heres how to find out the things that are loading at startup no need to go into "regedit"

go to start/run
type in msconfig and awindow will open click the startup tab at the top all the items that startup are there just uncheck the ones you dont want to start up(messengers and things of that sort)

 

[Spenser41]

Hi hon, you have a pm... I am a computer tech and I can help you with that.

 

[vettemech]

Two things you should do.
One visit www.blkviper.com this site will tell you about all the programs you have running in the background and which ones are safe to shut down.
Two get a good spam killer. Spybot S&D and AD Aware are two good freeware programs, you'll be suprised are the amount of spyware will be on your computer after surfing the net. I find any type of porn site will usually dump two or three spyware programs on your PC. These are real resource hogs.
If using broadband connections a good firewall program (ZoneAlarm is good....and free!) and a good virus protection program is a must.
Pratice safe internet sex, worms and viruses are out there.

 

[beachtime]

Glock800 has got it..... Stay out of the registry editor unless you know what you are doing.

But the thing that slows a computer on the internet mostly is temp files. Empty them often.

WinXP go to control panel then Internetr options; Middle button on the middle panel "delete files". When you click it also check the box in the next window that says delte offline content.

You will loose nothing that will not return next time you visit a site.

Win98 go to Start/Settings/Control Panel and do the same.

 

[shescurious]

Re: Here's a way to see what's loaded at startup

To see what's loaded at startup for Windows XP, do the following:

Start -> Run
Type regedit *** BE SURE NOT TO CHANGE ANYTHING ***
Locate the following sections as they list the commands launched at startup:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Here's the MSKB article detailing this: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314488

For those running older versions, use this: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;270035

I know the commands listed in regedit associated with the keys I listed may not make sense, but that is what is executed at startup.

Hope that helps.
OSA

If you are not familiar with Windows Do not do this You could accidently really mess things up in there. Regedit is for very advanced users only...

 

[reprise27]

In XP the reg edit command is regedt32

 

[GB_Gentleman]

Regedit works fine also in XP. The regedt32 is used if you want to change security on a branch of the registry.

 

[MagicFingers]

What's running in background

Press the keys CTRL-ALT-DEL at the same time, but only once. If you do it more than once you'll reboot your computer.

The Windows task manager will pop up. Click the tab labeled "Processes". This will list all the programs currently running.

And in Win 98, you can run MSCONFIG from the RUN on the START menu. Then click the STARTUP tab. From here you can uncheck the programs running in the backgrounf that you DO NOT want to be running all the time. Most of them do not need to be running all the time. They start when you start the program.
Sorry, I think XP may have a different way to do this. If it doesn't work on XP, I'll look it up.

Now, does anyone know how to get an image inserted under my name on the left of posts, like under MAGICFINGERS and Virgin?
I have this pic I want to put there and can't find where to put it.
Thanks, MagicFingers
AND, I can't seem to attach one this message either!!

 

[Semler]

Re: What's running in background

Now, does anyone know how to get an image inserted under my name on the left of posts, like under MAGICFINGERS and Virgin?
I have this pic I want to put there and can't find where to put it.
Thanks, MagicFingers
AND, I can't seem to attach one this message either!! [/B]

Sorry, but you need to reach 100 posts before you are allowed to put an image under your user name.

 

[MagicFingers]

Re: Re: What's running in background

Sorry, but you need to reach 100 posts before you are allowed to put an image under your user name.

Thanks, friend.
I DID read about that, but the name they called that function seemed to make me think it was some special canned icon type thingys. It would be nice if they would just tell us straight away, huh?
And I can't even attach it in the body of the message?
Oh well, one step closer.