Programs Running At Start-Up

[tearinghair]

I've looked at the 'show hidden icons' section on the bottom-right taskbar and have noticed a program that i think may be causing the problem of slow running that I've asked about previously. I'd like to get rid of it - not the programme itself, but the fact that it starts running. How can I safely do this? It's part of the software associated with my newish (and highly unsatisfactory) printer. I'm on Windows 7 and use Google Chrome.
Many thanks.

[tearinghair]

Thank you, Methyl. In fact i'd only noticed that piece of advice from Buenchico yesterday, as I hadn't checked back, thinking that after a few days there wouldn't be any more posts. To be honest, I was scared to try it, as it seemed beyond my capabilities.

The computer was installed by my (extremely savvy, but resident in California) son. The names on the case are Antec and ISK.

[Buenchico]

I'll stick by my original suggestion with regard to trying to identify what it is that's slowing your computer down. (You're only viewing the details of what's running on your computer. You can't do any damage by doing so!).

However, since you've asked how to disable startup processes, here's how to do it:

Click the Start button.

Type 'mscongig' into the box.

Click on 'msconfig' in the results above the box.

Select the Startup tab.

Click to remove the tick(s) alongside anything you don't want to run at startup.

Click Apply

Click OK

Restart your computer.

You'll see a message telling you that you're using Selective Startup. Click to select 'Do not show this message again'.

[tearinghair]

OK, I'll be brave. Is that 'msconfig' both times (i.e. f not g the first time?) and do I include the inverted commas?

[Buenchico]

Oops!

Sorry about the typo. (I really shouldn't try posting when I'm sober!)

It should be 'msconfig' in both cases.

[tearinghair]

Right, thanks, I've done that. I'd keep my fingers crossed if if wouldn't make using the mouse difficult. Have also written down your instructions and put them in a card file (well I did say I was 70+) so I won't have to bother you again about that particular problem.

[hc4361]

Never think you are a bother, tearinghair. I have no doubt many others have the same problems and will find the questions and answers useful.

[rosyposy]

Hope it goes well for you tearing hair, I have had the same probs, but my daughter said I was just TOO impatient and lost the head!! She advised the same as methyl, she said to just walk away for a minute or two while it is messing about and do you know up to now (touch wood) when I come back to it, it is ready to go!!! so as methyl says try to keep your hands off the mouse, and good luck :0) -rosy

[tearinghair]

Thank you everyone. You've all helped tremendously over the past few years when I've had problems of one sort or another, and I am truly grateful for that. Usually I can't choose between the answers because you all give such brilliant advice, but this time I'm picking a Best Answer because hc4361 made me feel that I haven't been a complete nuisance.

[tearinghair]

I disabled two: one associated with my Olympus camera software which was running a continuous photo sequence and one associated with my Canon printer which brought up a large black square for several minutes and temporarily prevented access to the internet.

[tearinghair]

Total Physical memory 2031, available 900. No idea what that means, but that's what it says.

[venator]

If all else fails, ask savvy son in California to help you instal Team Viewer on your machine.

This program lets him take control of your computer, so he can give it a health check.

There are other ways of doing this, but Team Viewer has never let me down!

[tearinghair]

Yes, we've done the remote support thing a few times in the past. It does actually seem to be running better at the moment, so maybe disabling those two programs has helped. I shouldn't get impatient, it's hardly cutting-edge work I'm doing; just a bit of research and cataloguing. But again, many thanks everyone for your help.

[galeck1947]

If you have a problem using msconfig then download the free version of Glary Utilities it has a simple but effective start up manager that you can disable or delay the programs on start up.

[tearinghair]

msconfig worked well, and it's certainly better now. I'm just wondering whether it's safe to disable Skype at start-up as well; I have the icon on the side bar anyway, but if it's not running all the time will I miss out on any incoming calls?

[hc4361]

I disabled Skype at start up. Made boot time a lot quicker so I would advise it