Step 1: Uninstalling programs that are not needed
Step 2: Preventing background programs from loading
Reference: Software that starts automatically and their meanings
This document applies to HP and Compaq Desktop PCs with Windows 98, Me, and XP.
Many software programs on a PC open automatically and are not seen while working in Windows. Some of these types of software are necessary and cannot be changed. Some should only be opened as needed. Others may not be needed at all. One thing that all of these software programs have in common is that they take up processor time and space in memory. This document explains how to determine what software programs are not needed and how to prevent them from starting up.
Step 1: Uninstalling programs that are not needed
Removing unwanted software programs prevents them from starting and gives the hard drive more space. Do the following to remove unwanted programs:
In Windows XP click Start, then Control Panel.
In Windows 98 and Me, click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel.
"In Windows XP, click Add or Remove Programs.
In Windows 98 or ME, double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
Examine the items that appear inside the Add/Remove Programs window closely. The items listed are programs currently installed on the PC.
NOTE:
If the HP Boot Optimizer is installed on your PC (HPBootOp), some installed software may not appear in the Add/Remove Programs window. In this case, uninstalling the Boot Optimizer first ensures all installed software will appear in the Add/Remove Programs window. When finished removing unwanted software, use the HP Application Recovery feature to reinstall the Boot Optimizer. For help using Application Recovery see the following HP support document, Using Application Recovery (Windows 9x, Me, and XP) .
Select the items in the list that you do not want, and click the Add/Remove (98/Me) or Change/Remove (XP) button.
NOTE:
Do not remove items in the list that you are unsure about. The table at the end of this document contains a list of common software programs to help you decide if an item should be removed or not.
After all items have been removed, close all open windows, restart the PC and go to the next step.
Step 2: Preventing background programs from loading
The following sections provide different ways that software can be prevented from opening automatically when Windows opens.
Using systray icons to prevent programs from starting
Remove icons from the Startup folder
Using System Configuration to prevent programs from starting (Windows Me & XP)
Using systray icons to prevent programs from starting
Each of the small icons on the system tray, next to the time, represents software that runs in the background. Hovering the mouse pointer over any of these icons reveals the software program name or function. You can increase system resources and prevent possible conflicts by reducing the number of these programs that open with Windows.
Figure 1: System tray icons
Sometimes a software program provides a feature that prevents itself from opening with Windows. To see if a program has such a feature, do the following:
Double-click or right-click on an icon in the tray bring up more options.
Look for options or selections in menus that will prevent the software program from starting. Select Open, Options, or Preferences and look for anything related to starting up. If you find a setting that enables the program to start automatically when Windows starts, disable it. If the feature is not available, use the next section and the table at the bottom of this page to prevent the software program from loading.
Remove icons from the Startup folder
Some programs open with a shortcut icon in the startup folder (Startup icons). Use the following steps to show any startup icons that may be hidden and remove startup icons from the startup folder:
NOTE:
Removing items from the Startup folder does not uninstall the software application.
Right-click the Start button, and click Explore. The Windows Explorer window appears with Start Menu already selected.
Click the plus sign ( +) next to Programs.
Click Startup.
The shortcut icons are listed in the right-side window.
To show any icons that may be hidden, click Tools, Folder Options, and click the View tab.
Select Show hidden files and folders (Windows XP/ME) or Show all files (Windows 98), and click OK.
Click an unwanted startup icon from the right side of the window and drag it to a blank area on the Windows desktop. Release the mouse button to drop the startup icon onto the desktop.
Continue dragging and dropping unwanted startup icons until all of the unwanted startup icons are on the desktop. Click Yes to any window that pops-up asking to confirm the removal of a read-only file.
Close explorer and restart the computer for the changes to take effect. Delete the startup icons that were moved to the desktop after you are satisfied with the way the software programs are working.
If you find that a particular software program should not have been removed from the startup folder, double-click the startup menu item to open the startup window and drag and drop the startup icon from the desktop back into the Startup window.
Using System Configuration to prevent software programs from starting (Windows Me & XP)
Some software programs do not place a small icon in the systems tray while running. Perform the following steps as an alternative way to prevent software programs from starting when Windows opens.
NOTE:
If the HP Boot Optimizer is installed on your PC (HPBootOp), some applications may not appear in the System Configuration Utility. In this case, use the steps listed in Step 1: Uninstalling programs that are not needed , to uninstall the HP Boot Optimizer, then continue with the following steps. To reinstall the Boot Optimizer, use the HP Application Recovery feature. For help using Application Recovery see the following HP support document, Using the Preinstalled HP Application Recovery .
CAUTION:
Only disable items that are known and undesired. Disabling programs that a device needs may cause the device to not function. Some examples would be, loss of sound, loss of higher colors and graphics modes, and system errors when trying to run programs.
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open field, type: MSConfig
Click OK.
The System Configuration Utility window appears.
Figure 2: System Configuration Utility, Startup tab
Click the General tab and select Selective Startup.
Click the Startup tab and remove the checks from any unwanted startup items.
If you are unsure about a startup item, write the name down and research it on the Internet or consult the table at the end of this document . Never remove a checkmark if you do not know what the task does.
Click OK to accept the changes, and then restart the PC.
Windows is now running using Selective Startup, which means that the tasks selected in the previous steps will not load when Windows restarts.
For future reference, if you want the tasks to start with Windows again, select the Normal option on the General tab of the System Configuration Utility.
CAUTION:
If Windows or other important software stops working after a checkmark is removed, start Windows in Safe Mode and replace the checkmark. To start Windows in Safe Mode, turn the computer on and when the first screen appears, press F8 repeatedly at the logo screen and select Safe Mode.
Reference: Software that starts automatically and their meanings
The software programs in the following table are some of the most common software programs that open with Windows on HP and Compaq desktop computers. It does not list every possible software program that can be loaded onto the PC. If a software program is not on this list, write the name down and research it on the Internet using an Internet search site.
CAUTION:
In many cases a name listed below may also be the name of virus or Trojan. Many virus and trojan names copy a system file name so that unsuspecting people wil delete a system file and cause Windows to not open. Use virus scanning and removal software to find and remove viruses and trojans, do not rely on this list to determine if a file is a virus or trojan.
Startup Program
What the program does
Adgjdet
Soundblaster software program for autodetecting headphones. Safe to prevent from starting.
Aim
America On-line Instant Messenger. Prevent from starting only if it is not used regularly. It can be opened normally through the Programs menu.
Alcxmntr
RealTek Monitor for AC97 audio (usually on-board). To avoid sound issues, do not prevent from starting.
Alg
Windows XP program call application Layer Gatway. Do not prevent from starting.
Aoltray
This is the small AOL icon next to the time. Safe to prevent from starting.
ArpwrmsgARPowermessage
AlwaysReady Power Message broadcast application. Do not prevent from starting.
ArserviceARSVC application
A software utility used during the first power cycles of the PC to help set up software. Do not prevent from starting.
Ati*
Items that start with ATI are associated with an ATI video card. To avoid video issues, do not prevent from starting.
BackWeb orBackWeb Agent
Allows the PC to automatically receive notifications from HP over the Internet. Safe to prevent from starting.
Bagent
Quicken financial monitor. If you do not use quicken or do not want to automatically download your latest stock quotes etc, turn this off through the quicken software by editing preferences. Safe to prevent from starting.
Ccapp Ccregvfy Ccevtmgr
All of these software programs are related to the Norton Antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for PCs that are isolated from any software input (this includes the Internet, a network, floppy and memory cards, CDs, etc...). Disable these startup files through Norton's program options or uninstall through add/remove programs.
CDTray
This is the small CD icon next to the time. Safe to prevent from starting.
CLI
Command Line Interface. For HP and Compaq PCs with ATI video cards. Related to the ATI system tray icon.
Createcd
This is the small CD icon next to the time. Safe to prevent from starting.
Csrss
Microsoft Client/Server Runtime Server Subsystem. Part of Windows and should not be removed.
Ctfmon
CTF monitor. Used by Microsoft Office for alternative input devices. Remains open even if Office is not open.
Defwatch
Part of Symantec Antivus to "watch" for more recent virus definition updates and alert as necessary.
Delay or Delayrun
This software program is a program that is used to help prevent conflicts or timing issues. Do not prevent from starting.
Dla
A direct access component for CDRWs. Do not prevent from starting.
DlaTray
Tray icon for the CDRW. Safe to prevent from starting.
Dllhost
DCOM DLL host process. Used to open and host other processes like the .NET framework. Do not prevent from opening. If it appears that this process is causing problems (like 100% CPU usage), it is more likely caused by a software conflict in one of the other software applications using dllhost.
Ehmsas Ehrec Ehsched Ehshell EhtrayEh*
All of these software programs are related to Media Center. This software is integrated into Windows XP and should not be prevented from starting. Ehshell is the main Media Center software. The other programs support tasks for Ehshell, like recording and guide download scheduling. If any of these tasks are stopped, The Media Center software could stop functioning or exhibit strange behaviors. Do not prevent from starting.
Gamechannel
WildTangent updater for Gamechannel games. Safe to prevent from starting.
Hidserv
Human Interface Device Server. Used by USB multimedia keyboards. Safe to prevent from starting if the volume knob and the system standby controls are not used on the USB keyboard.
Hkcmd
Related to Intel Graphics, Usually i810 or i815. This program monitors to see if the CTR + ALT + F12 keys are pressed to bring up intel graphics options. Safe to prevent from starting.
HPBootOp
The HP Boot Optimizer intelligently and dynamically launches software during startup, based on available resources, to improve startup performance.
HP Center
Allows the PC to automatically receive notifications from HP from over the Internet. Works in conjunction with BackWeb. Safe to prevent from starting.
HP_DLA
Tray icon for the CDRW drive. Safe to prevent from starting.
Hpgs2wnfHpgs2wnd
Tasks for HP Share-to-Web software. Safe to prevent from starting if you do not use the HP digital imaging software.
HP Info Express
Allows the PC to automatically receive notifications from HP over the Internet. Associated with BackWeb. Safe to prevent from starting.
Hpqcmon
HP camera monitoring program for HP Digital Imaging software. Safe to prevent from starting.
HP RecordNow
Software for the CD writer. Do not prevent from starting unless the CD writer is never going to be used.
HP ScanPatch
This is a small program that starts up and automatically fixes earlier versions of the Scanjet 5100c software. If a Scanjet 5100C scanner is not going to be used, then it is safe to remove or prevent from starting.
HP Updates
Allows the PC to automatically receive notifications from HP over the Internet. Associated with BackWeb. Safe to prevent from starting through options in HP Updates software but can be very helpful in maintaining the latest software and drivers for your HP or Compaq PC.
HPLogifinder
Software for the center mouse button on Logitech mice. Safe to prevent from starting if the center mouse button is never to be used.
Hpsysdrv
Keeps track of system recovery information. Can be used by HP support to help troubleshoot recovery issues. Safe to prevent from starting.
Hpwu*
Software tasks that start with hpwu are associated with HP Software Updates. HP Software Updates allows the PC to automatically receive software update notifications from HP over the Internet. Safe to prevent from starting through options in HP Software Updates but can be very helpful in maintaining the latest software and drivers for your HP or Compaq PC.
Ipod
Related to iPod music players. Do not prevent from starting if if you use or plan on using an iPod.
KBD or Keyboard Manager
Multimedia keyboard manager. This program makes the one-touch keyboard buttons functional. Disable through the Keyboard icon inside Control Panel. Doing this will make the one-touch keys useless but the normal keys will still work.
Igfxtray
Related to Intel Graphics, Usually i810. Do not prevent from starting.
InstallDriver Table Manager
Related to iPod services. Do not prevent from starting if if you use or plan on using an iPod.
Jusched
Sun Java Update Scheduler. Internet monitor to find and update the Java software package.
Lsass
Part of Windows XP. Stands for LSA Shell. Some viruses call themselves lsass to cloak themselves. If you see lsass in the startup items of MS configuration utility you should prevent it from starting.
LT Daemon
Program associated with DSL modems. Do not prevent from starting.
Lightscribe*
Software used to compliment the LightScribe disc label burning process. If you want to use LightScribe labeling, do not prevent from starting.
Lsburnwatcher
Helps one create labels after a music CD is burned using LightScribe discs. If you want to use LightScribe labeling, do not prevent from starting.
Lssrvc
LightScribe service for LightScribe driver. If you want to use LightScribe labeling, do not prevent from starting.
Mcrdsvc
Media Center remote device service mainly used for Media center extenders.
MDMMachine Debug Manager
Microsoft Window process debugger. May provided helpful information in the event a problem occurs.
Mgavrtcl
This is the McAfee tray icon. This can be removed through options inside McAfee.
Microsoft Works Portfolio
This opens Microsoft Works Portfolio when Windows starts. This software program can be prevented from starting from a setting within Portfolio.
MMTray
This installs the small Music Match tray icon next to the Start button.
Msg32 and Msgloop
Audio files supporting the Audio card (Crystal audio). Sound may be affected if removed.
Msmsgs
Microsoft Windows Messenger (XP). If this is not used then it can be prevented from starting up through the options inside the messenger program.
NAV*NV*
Files that start with NAV or NV are probably associated with Norton Antivirus. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (this includes the Internet, a network, floppy, memory cards, and CDs). Disable these startup files through Norton's program options or uninstall through add/remove programs.
Nvcpl Nvsvc32
nVidia driver helper services for nVidia graphics cards. To avoid video issues, do not prevent from starting.
Nwiz
NVidia nview wizard for changing setting in your nVidia graphics card advanced display properties. Not recommended that it be prevented from starting.
Opxpapp
Omnipass software. Software that makes passwords easier to use. If you do not want this software, uninstall it using add/remove programs.
Ose
Office Source Engine. Used by Microsoft Office during setup of of installation files. Do not prevent from starting. Uninstall the Office software after the PC has been restarted if you do not want the Office product.
Osd
This stands for On-Screen Display. This is used in conjunction with the multimedia keyboard manager. Turn the volume knob on a Multimedia keyboard and a volume bar will appear on the monitor. Safe to prevent from starting if not used.
PCHealth orPCHSchd.exe
These files are associated with the Windows and HP help system. HP recommends that it not be prevented from starting.
PS2
Multimedia Keyboard companion. If this is prevented from starting, then some keyboard functionality will be lost.
Realsched
Internet utility that checks for Real Networks software product (RealPlayer) updates.
Recguard
Associated with the HP Recovery program. HP recommends that it not be prevented from starting.
Rem, Remind,Remind32 or Reminder
Software programs that start with Rem are usually registration reminder programs that open the registration of a product after a certain period of time. Safe to prevent from starting.
Rthdcpl
RealTek High Definition Audio Control Panel (System tray icon).
Rtvscan
Symantec real-time virus scan. Background task that monitors and scans files as they are loaded. Essential for good virus protection.
Rundll and Rundll32
This is an essential Windows file that many software programs use. Do not prevent from starting. Performance and software compatibility will usually get worse if these files are removed.
Savroam
Symatec Antivirus Roaming Utility. Part of Symantec Internet Security. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (this includes the Internet, a network, floppy, memory cards, and CDs). Disable these startup files through Norton's program options or uninstall through add/remove programs.
ScanRegistry or ScanReg
This is a valuable Windows function that scans and fixes the Windows Registry when Windows starts. Should not be prevented from starting.
Secureapp
Part of the Omnipass software. If you do not want Omnipass uninstall it using add/remove programs.
Smss
Session Manager Subsystem. Part of Windows and should not be prevented from starting.
Spamsubtract.exe
SpamSubtract software. Software for preventing unwanted advertising and pop-ups when browsing the Internet. If this program is not wanted it is best to remove it by uninstalling through add/remove programs. Safe to prevent from starting.
Spool*
Items that start with spool are probably associated with the windows spooling service and should not be prevented from starting, especially if a printer is attached.
Ssdpsrv
Used by Universal Plug and Play (for network device discovery). To remove this program, open Add/Remove Programs, select either Communications (Me) or Networking Services (XP), and remove the checkmark next to Universal Plug and Play.
*StateMgr
Works with the System Restore and System File Protection features. Do not prevent from starting.
Stimon
Still Image Monitor. Should not be removed unless visual programs and products are never used (like digital cameras or scanners).
Svchost
This is the generic host process that other Win32 programs can use to run as a system service.
Symantec
On HP and Compaq PCs, services that start with Symantec are related to antivirus and firewall software. Not recommended to disable. If you still want to disable, best to do so in the options and properties of Norton Antivirus, Firweall, or Security software programs.
Systray
This is the systems tray that contains the time and small icons at the bottom of the Windows Desktop. Should not be removed.
Taskbar Display Controls
This is the small monitor icon next to the time in the system tray. Disable through the advanced options of display properties.
Taskmgr
Task Manager. Displays the tasks that are running in the background. Does not start with Windows. This is the program that you see when you press CTR + ALT +DEL.
Updates from HP
Allows the PC to automatically receive notifications from HP from over the Internet. Works in conjunction with BackWeb. Safe to remove.
USBMMKBD
This program makes one-touch multimedia keys functional on a USB keyboard. Disable through the Keyboard icon inside Control Panel. Doing this will make the one-touch keys useless but the normal keys will still work.
Vptray
System tray icon for Norton Antivirus.
VS***
Items that begin with the letters VS are usually associated with the McAfee Virus Products. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from software input (this includes the Internet, 3.5 disks, and the network). Disable these startup files through McAfee's program options.
Wcmdmgrl
WildTangent updater/starter for Gamechannel games. Safe to prevent from starting. Best to uninstall of the individual games using Add/remove programs, followed by the removal of the WildTangent Gamechannel,Updater, and the Web driver.
Weather.exe
Weatherbug software. If this program is not wanted it is best to remove it by uninstalling through add/remove programs. Safe to prevent from starting.
WebScanx
Mcafee file for scanning Internet content. Disable through the McAfee software and only if the Internet is never used.
Wildwire Monitor
Systems tray icon for the Wildwire modem that displays the current status of the modem. Should not be prevented from launching unless a connection to a network or the Internet is not used.
Winlogon
Essential Windows process for managing accounts.
Wkdetect
Detects available updates for Microsoft Works when on the Internet. Remove if Works is not used.
Wmiprvse
Microsoft Windows Management Instrumentation allowing the management of Windows processes. Do not prevent from starting.
Works Calendar Reminder
This displays pop-up reminders from the Microsoft Works Calendar. If this function is not used, then disable it through the options inside Microsoft Works.
WorksFUD
Microsoft Works Marketing Feature. Safe to prevent from starting.
Wuauclt
Windows Update Client. Internet monitor that notifies you when a Windows Update is available. If you want to get Windows Updates manually, you can prevent this task from loading on the Automatic Updates tab in System Properties.
Related Links
For information about Preventing Programs from Opening When Windows Starts refer to:
Microsoft support article How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP (in English).
HP support document Using Microsoft System Configuration .
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