How can i clean up my computer-too many processes!

Question

i chatted with a tech support guy today trying to get a problem with my computer solved.He said that when he checked task manager it told him that i have too many processes.he also said that it could indicated that my computer has a virus somewhere.

regardless-how can i go about cleaning up these processes???

wouldnt my computer tell me if i have a viurs??but then if now how can i fix this issue also????thanks

Answer 1

To cut down on the amount of processes running go to start, run, and type in "msconfig". If on vista just go start, search, and type in "msconfig".

Msconfig gives you the option of turning off processes at start-up. That way less things will run, and your computer should run faster. However be careful on what you tell it to turn off, you do not want to turn off anything important. If in doubt you can go to liutilities and it will give you a recommendation on if the process should run or not.

If you think you might also have a virus, you should should update you anti virus, and then have it scan for you to eliminate anything bad. Avast is great for that, Spybot and super antispyware is great for spyware removal, that could be slowing you down. All three are free. Make sure if you install avast that you uninstall your old antivirus.

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-...

http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.h...

http://www.superantispyware.com/

Answer 2

didnt he help or he needs more money?

go to start

- click run

- type msconfig(hit enter)

- Click the Start Up Tab

- Uncheck Programs that you dont need when Microsoft Windows Start.

(on my computer this is what i have on start up)

1.mcagent (McAfee Security Center)

2.khalmnpr (logitech mouse)

3.ctfmon (a windows process)

4.yahoo messenger (yahoo)

Answer 3

I would run a complete virus and spam check. You can download AVG for virus and Spybot Search and Destroy for spam.  

Answer 4

If you have more than 50 processes on XP then its too many otherwise should ok you might just have a lot of programs.

Answer 5

I will add to the good advice of using msconfig to control your start up applications.

You can also download sysinternals process explorer free from Microsoft to see what is running on your pc & what it is related to to see what is valid & not.

You should use the advice given on Black Vipers site about controlling what services your operating system has running by default which also take up much processing power.