Startup File

When you have a computer that is "running slow" it's because there is a lot of crap running on it that's not necessary.

You already know how to get rid of stuff by using the uninstall programs menu from the control panel.

Sometimes there is a program that you want to have on your computer, you just don't want to have it running all the time. A lot of programs set themselves up to start up when you turn on your computer. Some of them aren't necessary during startup, they just think they're cooler than they really are.

All of this startup activity really slows your computer down. My work laptop currently has 32 processes that start when I turn it on - and it takes FOREVER!

To see all of the stuff that's going on when you start your computer do this.

Open up the CMD window (do you remember how to do that?)

Type msconfig

That will get you to the system configuration screen.

You can click the "startup" tab and it will list all the stuff that's set to start with your computer. You probably shouldn't change anything in this screen because it's pretty deep into your computer but at least you know where it is.

Now when someone says "my computer takes forever to start up"... you know where to look to tell them what's going on when they start up.

10 points if you post a screen shot of the startup menu - here's mine.

Ruben