I am still learning with this machine with XP and i now like it however i have a question about running processes. In task manager i have 30 processes running. I have read that with only XP running there should be only 18 or 20.

How does one know which ones to stop running? The names they have mean nothing to me?

There are many sites out there that will help you with this, but this one is a good start..
Stick with his 'safe' config. for a start and you should be fine..

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

"SAFE" Configuration ~ This is the configuration that 95% of the people will be able to use with little or no side effects. It will also minimizes the amount of "errors" that is reported in the Event Viewer. This does not guarantee it will work for you, but if adjusting your services scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.

Great Link.

With blackviper's help, I have mine trimmed down to a lean, mean 24 process machine.

Well that beats me Darren , I'm gonna fold.

Windows XP has quite a few running processes, maybe 15 or so, but only a few that it will not allow you to disable. These few are critical running processes. You may have accessed these running processes by entering msconfig into the Run option on your Start menu. If you check Hide Windows, you will be left with the running programs you have personally installed.

I would not be especially concerned about shutting down MS running processes. You can read all you want to know about XP in a number of books sold or borrowed from your library. A favorite book of mine is "Windows in a Nutshell" 2nd edition by Karp,O'Reilly and Mott, 2005. It goes for $30 in bookstores and $11 used through Amazon.com. The "used" book I recieved was actually brand new. Go figure.

If you want the ultimate in safety for installing software or doing defragmenting, go into SafeMode first. I have downloaded and installed programs in SafeMode and before I discovered that trick, I just installed programs off line and shutting down antivirus protection.

El Cattivo

Well thanks guys but what you are telling me is clear as mudI will peruse your posts again and see if i can understand what you are telling me.

PTFB works great in XP. LOL and you thought I'd forgotten!!!

Don't believe everything you read!!!!!

What are you doing with your computer and what is the actual list of running processes that you observe? Don't read the suggestion of some kid who wants to maximize his score on some on-line computer game unless you are actually the same type of user. It makes me nuts when friends ask advice after they've shut down helpful programs to gain a "performance increase" when their use of the computer involves creation of documents and spreadsheets.

I don't know you well enough to make assumptions about your computer use but I'm guessing that you’re trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist.

I've never worried about how many processes are running on my system. I've never noticed any performance issues either. I have 64 processes running at this moment. So I guess this goes along with not worrying about free system resources.

MSU

I musta got cheated,I only have 57 showing

LilJoe

COUNTED them? I have a long list, maybe 40, maybe 80...I don't know and I don't care.

I only counted them for the sake of this thread. I never worried about them before and am not about to start now.

MSU

Thanks guys for your input. I suppose the old saying"If it ain't broke don't fix it" applies here. I feel better now. I will not worry about it.

Processes are only chged for specific reasons - gaming - video editing - unused programs - are just some reasons - and it was all started by gaming people who as was posted wanted that one more frame rate for bragging rights - its all personal preference -

Two Cents

Starship Warrior

AdAware shows how many when you run a scan. Don't have to count them.

>I am still learning with this machine with XP and i now like
>it however i have a question about running processes. In task
>manager i have 30 processes running. I have read that with
>only XP running there should be only 18 or 20.
>
>How does one know which ones to stop running? The names they
>have mean nothing to me?

Only concern yourself with what services are running under your ID … I have 10 under my ID and 36 in total. Whatever any other service XP wants to use is fine by me.

I purposely sought out and uninstalled anything that was not needed … like the scanner, waiting for me to lift the lid, the printer, waiting for me to press a button. That took card of a couple or three processes.

Have a look at the 'task bar' by the clock ... anything there is running, turn it of, or uninstall it, and watch a service or two disappear

Your MS Anti-Spyware, SpywareBlaster, Spy Sweeper, Ad-Aware, SBS&D, IE-spyad, MailWasher, Firewall and AV programs should help stop anything else wriggling itself on to your system.

Consider upgrading your ram from 256 to 512, and forget about ‘services’ …

RAM suggestion is the best one yet. You really need at least 512 to get the full benefit of XP.

muckshifter is correct on the RAM.
Put in at least another 256MB.
It will run much better with that. Especially since it is sharing the video memory (unless you purchased an add-in video card).


I recently setup my Compaq. When I did I looked all through the BlackViper website. And from that, I think I made a single change. IMO, most of what is setup from MS is setup for a reason. And unless you have specific circumstances to make changes, I would tend to leave things alone. Also note that SP2, which you do have, turned automatic starting of a bunch of services to manual. Much like had been previously suggested on th BlackViper website.


What you do want to clean up, is the junk that Compaq preinstalled on the system. Like there was something in Startup dealing with the iPod player. There is no need for that Startup item. Open MSCONFIG & review all the entries in Startup. Google each one, see what it does, & see if it would provide a benefit to you. If not, unselect it so that it no longer runs.


Your system will run much better. And it runs very well at that. Quite impressive for a $300 computer.

I have 31 running and I used BV's guidelines with the use of WinPatrol and had no problems. With only 128megs of RAM running XP, I needed to kill as much as possible, and it vastly increased my boot time. Now with 640 megs of RAM I still do the same thing. If I don't need them, they don't need to be running.

I have 73 processes running and it keeps me awake at night!!! There is no problem unless you have some misbehaved process that is consuming huge memory amounts. Ignore it and enjoy your new computer.

Shelly

>I am still learning with this machine with XP and i now like
>it however i have a question about running processes. In task
>manager i have 30 processes running. I have read that with
>only XP running there should be only 18 or 20.
>
>How does one know which ones to stop running? The names they
>have mean nothing to me?

I believe the ideal/norm for most/average networked computers is in the 20 to 30 processes running range while connected to the net.

Originally, my own computer was running close to 40 processes, until I figured out what processes I wanted to run, and what processes were essential to have running. As I type this post (connected to the net) I have 26 processes running. (I don't have any accessories like printers, scanners, external hard drives, DVD burners, routers, etc., hooked up to my computer. All I have is a external mouse and a phone line connection.)

As stated by another poster, a good place to start trimming the number of unnecessary/unwanted processes is following Black Viper's XP Service Configuration guidelines.

If your computer is running under 30 processes while connected to the net w/o any external excessories enabled (e.g., just web surfing, checking emails, posting in forums) you're within the ideal/normal range, in my opinion.

Sounds reasonable but you also have to consider that some SW installa additional services, too. I think Norton's put about 6 on there that have to be running for all the scanning and updating to work properly.

>Sounds reasonable but you also have to consider that some SW
>installa additional services, too. I think Norton's put about
>6 on there that have to be running for all the scanning and
>updating to work properly.

Active/running anti-virus, anti-trojan, third-party firewall apps fall into the unwanted/unnecessary process catagory on my computer.

The only active/running anti-malware related utility I have is eDexter, the rest are passive IE-SPYAD, SpywareBlaster w/dak's Custom Blocking file, hpguru HOSTS file, Spybot S&D's Immunization and Browser Helper.

Yeah, we know your position on that subject, but others, probably the vast majority, don't see things your way. My point was still valid as far as the intent of this thread.

>Yeah, we know your position on that subject, but others,
>probably the vast majority, don't see things your way. My
>point was still valid as far as the intent of this thread.

So, you're not alone, and have the 'vast majority' to support your position, huh?

Try standing on your own two feet for a change.

Perhaps you should stop giving questionable advise to people. You are welcome to your own ideas, but the moderators have a responsibility to protect the less computer savy that come here from being given bad information, and you have been skirting the edge. Take the friendly advice, or peddle your theories elsewhere. I have been here a long time and have seen a dozen people with your views come back begging for help after their computers were screwed up.

Shelly

>Perhaps you should stop giving questionable advise to people.
> You are welcome to your own ideas, but the moderators have a
>responsibility to protect the less computer savy that come
>here from being given bad information, and you have been
>skirting the edge. Take the friendly advice, or peddle your
>theories elsewhere. I have been here a long time and have
>seen a dozen people with your views come back begging for help
>after their computers were screwed up.

Now now, settle down. There's any number of people following the advice of 'responsible' parties who've had their computers trashed by all kinds of malware. Are these 'responsible' parties guilty of peddling 'questionable' theories then? A dozen people came back begging for help with 'my' views; you forgot to consider the hundreds of others whom did not. As far as asking for help...sure, why not? When an individual expresses an opinion that doesn't meet the approval of 'the majority' of 'responsible' people, that forever banishes said individual from asking for assistance on a given subject matter?

I believe people that are good at giving 'advice' should also be good at receiving it. So, take the 'friendly' advice, and peddle your 'responsible' theories elsewhere.

I can enforce my advice.

Shelly

>I can enforce my advice.

You're pretty impressed with yourself aren't you, Shelly?

Anyone else here who's as impressed with Shelly as he appears to be with himself?

Just curious.

I'm very impressed with Shelly. I'm not impressed with your psychotic babble. Shelly, can't you ban this jerks IP?

>I'm very impressed with Shelly. I'm not impressed with your
>psychotic babble. Shelly, can't you ban this jerks IP?

Take a chill pill, Darren.

And I'm not a jerk, jerk.

Yeah...you appear to be a jerk, Avian

DavyWavy -

>Yeah...you appear to be a jerk, Avian

And you appear to be one of those wimps whom piles on when they smell blood in the water.

>I'm very impressed with Shelly. I'm not impressed with your
>psychotic babble. Shelly, can't you ban this jerks IP?

Patience Darren, trolls usually go away on their own once people are on to them. We shall see.

Shelly

Red squirrels gather nuts.

Tom

>Patience Darren, trolls usually go away on their own once
>people are on to them. We shall see.

That can't be true. How do you reconcile the presents of bottom feeders like Darren, Bobby, DavyWavy, and Long Island Umpire, Shelly?

Obviously, 'people are on to them' by now, yet they still remain.

PS: Add Liljoey, aka, 'The Wimp2', to the list of bottem feeders. He's decided to join in on the feeding frenzy.

edit

...

I've avoided falling on my face as you're asking to do. My legs are just fine, thanks. I bet you'd really make a good mountain man, all self sufficient, self taught, and don't need to do what ever'bod else does. Until you meet that first grizzly and you left your knife in the other pair of leathers. Poor bird s**t.

>Yeah, we know your position on that subject...

I keep hearing this mysterious "we" being referenced to, but no one seems to know who, or what, this "we" is.

And how is it that you know what "we know", Bobby? Did you take a poll? Or, are you one of those psychics that can read "we" minds?

Was that "fowl" language really necessary?

I'm very disappointed in you, Bobby.

I usually don't engage in these peurile discussions, but I sometimes make an exception for a Troll. I learn by reading and listening to people that obviously know more than I. You don't fit that profile, Avie. My experience has been that your rantings and poor advice are in the minority, no matter what forum you care to infest. I seldom take advice without question but I do have sufficient intelligence to recognize the sources that are reliable. You are not anywhere near that level of incompetence. What you advocate endlessly is just the kind of crap that would get a new user in deep trouble if they failed to see thru the veil of that you spout.

I'll not reply to more of your attempts to arouse trouble and think your mother probably thinks you should be home and in bed, Avie.

>I usually don't engage in these peurile discussions, but I
>sometimes make an exception for a Troll.

The pot calling the kettle black, Bobby?

I didn't see any "we's" or other collectivist pronouns (e.g., vast majority) in your last reproof addressed to yours truly. That's good. I think I'm making some progress here.

PS: You can speak freely of your own mother, but leave my mother out of this.

Are you kidding,your mother was a seagull that shit on a rock and the sun hatched you,thus Avian Flu

LilJoe

Here's the cure for PIA..................

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

LilJoe

>Are you kidding,your mother was a seagull that shit on a rock
>and the sun hatched you,thus Avian Flu
>

And the best part of you ran down your mama's, hairy, hind legs.

LilJoe, you cracked me up .

Anyways, back to the original question:

If you want to know what each process does, check out these additional websites:

http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist_a.htm
http://www.reger24.de/prozesse.html

While it's true that you should not try to stop any processes you're not familiar with, I think every computer user should be aware of exactly what's running and what it's used for - then when something goes wrong, you will then know what should and should not be running in your task list.

And the best advice regarding trolls, like most pests...if you ignore them, they'll eventually go away.

I've shared this script before but some participants in this thread may be interested and not already have it. If the text below the dotted line is saved to a text file and the file is named with a vbs extension, this script can be used to create a text file list of running processes which will be saved to the desktop. The list also details memory used by each process (in bytes, not kb or mb) and the command line that launched it (in case you want to investigate). The text file report created on the desktop will be named "ProcessesRunning.txt"

I'm in favor of users knowing what processes are running and thinking about how important each is. I don't like to see anybody get stressed because they can't hit a certain low target number or see people drop processes based on the suggestion of someone else who uses their computer differently. Some processes are essential for everyone, a few are bad in nearly all circumstances but the majority can be either, depending on what you're using your PC for.

Note: The script is for a WinXP or Win2k system or anyone else who has downloaded WMI.
--------------------------------
Set objShell = CreateObject("Shell.Application")
Set objFolderDsk = objShell.Namespace(&H10&)
strDsk = objFolderDsk.Self.Path
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set objFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(strDsk & "\ProcessesRunning.txt",True)
objFile.WriteLine Now & vbCrLf & vbCrLf

Set objWMI = GetObject("winmgmts:" _
& "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\.\root\cimv2")
Set colProcesses = objWMI.ExecQuery _
("Select * from Win32_Process")

For Each objProcess In colProcesses
With objProcess
objFile.WriteLine "Process = " & .Name
objFile.WriteLine "Virtual Size = " & .VirtualSize
objFile.WriteLine "Command Line = " & .CommandLine & vbCrLf
End With
Next

objFile.Close
Set colProcesses = Nothing
Set objWMI = Nothing
Set objFolderDsk = Nothing
Set objShell = Nothing
Set objFile = Nothing
Set objFSO = Nothing

Did you see that? My post addressed to that old fart (responsible net security advisor), Shelly, was deleted by none other than, Shelly!

You're too funny, Shelly.

Deleted post:

Shelly, why'd ya block an entire IP address block from accessing PC Q&A? Don't care for my commentary?

You silly ol' nerd. I blew yours & other bottom feeders, aka, "we's", "responsible" advice cover, and you don't much appreciate the fact, aye?

That's right, we don't care for your commentary. Fuck off.

Grogan

Right. Back to the original question.


Items glady provided by Compaq ...
(I have not listed things like ZoneAlarm, or my AV).

What I have running at startup:

igfxtray
RECGUARD
VTTimer
AGRSMMSG
ALCXMNTR
PCHButton

What I have disabled from startup:

pchbutton
hpsysdrv
KBD
lsburnwatcher
ps2
jusched

Some of the startup items could really be disabled, but for the time being, I have them enabled. Googling can tell you what each do.

Software:

Uninstalled Acrobat 6 & installed Acrobat 7

Uninstalled iPod & Quicktime. I may install the latest QT at a later date.

I have used the Compaq "chat". Support via the chat sucked. Ended up calling them via telephone. Much better.

Java is not latest version. I don't use Java, so I've just left it. Otherwise, I would have updated it.

Works, I don't use & have not even opened it up.

PC-Doctor. Left as is. Actually can be useful if you need to call Tech support.

Sonic CDRW software. Have not even looked at it.

Norton AV/Firewall trial. Gone. History. Uninstalled.

I'm sure there were other software's that I uninstalled, though don't recall offhand.

Spysubtract - whatever that is, there is no uninstall for, & I have no intention of running it & at some point I'll get around to manually deleting whatever it is.


Services. I would leave all services as is. I saw no benefit to making any changes.


Compaq System Recovery. Originally I used the system as a mule. Throwing anything at it that I wanted. When it got to the point where I was going to actually be using the system, I used the CSR to put the machine back to "stock". It reloaded from the "hidden" partition in about 10 minutes. Worked fine. So in that respect, I would leave it.


Running like this, & with 512MB RAM, it is quite a nice running system. Quiet as can be. Stable. Sprite. Even the onboard graphics works well for web browsing. (Wouldn't know about games).

Hey, *I* just noticed, *I* used the word 'I' 18 times in my above post. And *I* didn't even think about that when *I* posted.

The closest thing to *WE* in there is 'WERE', 'WELL', & 'WEB'.

.

This thread is now locked. I hope the issue was resolved.

marti