BleepingComputer.com: What needs to be running in the background?

What needs to be running in the background and how do I stop things that I don't need running in the background? In XP I always went to "run" and "misconfig" and unchecked what didn't need to be running but I have no idea in Vista what needs to be checked or not or how I get to where I need to be to change it.

Linda

It's the same in Vista (msconfig), but be sure you know what you are doing before you delete anything.

I don't know what I'm doing. lol I don't know what some of the abbreviations stand for so how do I find out what I need and what I don't need? I realize this would be different for everyone.

Best thing to do on a new PC, especially a package one like compaq or dell, hp etc is to just go through Programs & Features and uninstall the items which are not needed. This also saves disk space, and is a more thorough way of removing the bloatware which is pre-installed on new PCs.

I would advise against using MSCONFIG to remove items in Vista, it works the same way as it does in XP, but if you dont want the program, just uninstall it. Less chance of pwning your installation.

That said, if you are comfortable using it and know what the items do, then by all means use Msconfig. Works well when used properly.

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between "add reply" and "quick reply"? lol

Okay, my problem is that I don't know what programs I need in some cases. I wanted to get rid of Quick Time but someone told me (not here) that I need it for videos and such. Most things I watch on WMP so I'm not quite sure why I need Quick Time. What might be some other things I don't need? I do know how to use misconfig but as I stated above, I don't know what all the abbreviations mean so I would be hesitant to uncheck something in case it has to run in the background (i.e. Avast).

Every morning my Kodak Easy Share program opens and I have to quit and then when I got to the taskbar to shut it down, it brings up a box to register. I already have an account and I keep being prompted that something's not working or something so I have to put up with that opening every morning. I'm guessing that is one of the things running in the background that I can uncheck. Help. lol

Linda

Add reply gives more choices for formatting your reply. Fast reply is so that you can quickly type and respond to things.

There have been recent problems with Vista computers using MSCONFIG to modify start entries. I'd suggest either using the Startup Manager in Windows Defender, or using this free program: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysintern...s/Autoruns.mspx

usasma, on Mar 23 2009, 04:43 PM, said:

Thank you. How would I get to this (Windows Defender)? I think this is new in Vista.

Linda

Go to the Start menu, then scroll down the list of programs to locate Windows Defender.
Click on it.
Once in Windows Defender, click on Tools, then on the Software Explorer link.

Thank you. I will try that but I still don't know what needs to be running in the background. If I post a screen shot, will someone be able to tell me what I can uncheck?

What to uncheck is determined by what you need. For example, I have no need for the Kodak EasyShare software (and personally don't like it). So my recommendation would be to get rid of it - but you may want to keep it because you're used to it.

That being said, you can disable things without deleting them. So, should you want them back you can just re-enable them.

Posting a list will get you some recommendations - so go ahead if that'll help you.

I thought we were talking about things running in the background? I use my Kodak Easy Share all the time. It came with my digital camera. That being said, it doesn't have to be running in the background does it? I will take a screen shot and post it in a few minutes.

Okay, here are my screen shots of my startup menu. I had to do one half at a time.

The bottom 2 entries in the second screen shot are for the Kodak Software that starts when you computer does (and runs in the background until you use it).

I would disable the Adobe Acrobat, Cyberlink, SupportSoft, QuickTime, Incredimail at a minimum

FWIW, I'd suggest using the free program that I mentioned above to get a more complete listing of what starts with Windows.

Okay, I've got Windows Defender opened to the right place. So now I just highlight and "remove" or "disable" so that the above-mentioned don't run in the background? Also, if Kodak isn't running in the background that doesn't mean I can't use it, right? Right now it's driving me nuts because it opens every time I turn the computer on.

Linda

Background programs run in the background to provide faster access to the program when you need it. You can still use it, but it may take a bit longer to load.

Once you finish using the program (and closing it) you'll need to check and see if it remains in the background by checking for Kodak stuff in Task Manager. To do this, press Ctrl-Alt-Del and go to the Processes tab - scroll down the list looking for any Kodak stuff.

Most, but NOT ALL programs behave this way. If there's one that won't start for you, let us know what program it is and we'll see if we can figure out how to set it.