How do I get to a place in Windows XP where I can stop certain programs from running. I only have 1GB memory.?

Question

My computer is running slow off line. The internet speed has been checked and it is around 68,000. Any ideas of how to speed it up until I can purchase more memory?

Answer 1

1 GB of memory should be plenty for windows XP.  You might need to run a cleanup and spyware program.

Answer 2

run msconfig to stop some programs running at start up also press CTR+ALT+DEL to bring up task manager then you can either close applications or each separate process - the % of memory the process is taking up should be displayed.

Answer 3

Check http://www.pcoptimizerprodownload.com

With pc optimizer pro you can safely clean, repair and optimize your computer.

It will help improve your system performance.

Answer 4

Click on start button

goto RUN

type in msconfig

this will take you to system configuration utility

you can choose Services you want to run and also start up programs you want to run.

use selective start up on the general tab

once you restart a box will come up saying you are using selective start up click dont show again

hope this helps with your problem.

Answer 5

click start. then click run and in the box type "msconfig" without the quotes and  then click on start up and stop any programs that you don't want to run when your computer starts up.

Answer 6

click on Start, click on Run, then type in msconfig.exe, then go to startup tab, and check the processes that start when you start your computer.. just make sure you know which ones you can safely shutdown.

by the way, if you haven't opened up your computer to see how the ram is set up, i.e., if you have two sticks of 512, or one stick of 1gb, you need to check that, so you can budget for whether you have to buy one stick or two.

also, if you DO have 2 512's, check around at your local non-retail stores that carry it, as in, a computer shop run by a person, not a chain outlet, and see if they are willing to do some horseswapping with ya to get what you need for less..

Answer 7

I also have 1 GB RAM and my PC is fast.

You can go to control panel -> Administrative Tools -> services

turn off those services that you do not need.

Run -> msconfig -> disable some programs that is not required at start up.

Update anti-virus and anti-spyware and do a scan.

Go to system performance and set virtual memory to 2048MB

for min and max.

Answer 8

To control what starts with Windows:

Click Start and then Run.  (Vista – Start>All Programs>Accessories>Run).  In the run box, type "msconfig" without the quotes and then hit "Enter".  This will open the System Configuration Utility.  Click the "Startup" tab.  Now remove the check mark from any and all programs that you “do not” want to start or "boot" with Windows.  Now click apply and then click OK.  

You will need to restart your system.  When the system starts you will see a box stating that you used the Config. utility, put a check in "Don't show this box at startup".  

That should do it.  

Do not remove any check marks from your security software.  You want it to load with your operating system.  As for the rest of the programs that are set to load with the OS, you will just have to experiment.  Stuff like Adobe Reader, Gama loaders, Word, etc, can be turned off.  They do not need to load with the OS, you can just click on their icons to launch these programs.  

Answer 9

Got to task manager and see what is running.  If you don't know what it is Google search it to see if you need it.  Then go to Start, msconfig, go to the start up tab and disable anything not required.  Additionally run Ccleaner to remove exteranious junk: http://www.ccleaner.com/

Answer 10

Most computer users have been trained that if you want more speed for your computer, then add more memory. Well, this is true, in certain circumstances. But for most of the times, it really is just bad files in your registry files. Corrupted or missing registry files can make your computer too slow.

The registry is a main part of your computer's Operating System. With time, as you use Windows and install and uninstall programs, your registry will get congested and full of errors. So your computer could slow down. So, if you can clean it up this problem can be solved.Sometimes you can speed computer up by 300%. To clean up registry,You can download a software called regsitry cleaner---Clean registry,remnant,corrupt files and temp files,history,cookies,etc.. This site:

http://www.speed-up-your-pc.com/index.ph...

lists top 5 registry cleaner,you can download and scan for free.

Good luck!

Answer 11

You should have PLENTY of memory at 1GB.  So that is not your problem.

You need to do a system clean and repair.  95% of the applications people recommend will be Spyware / Malware.  MSCONFIG and REGEDIT are the pro way to do it, but I do NOT recommend you try it unless you KNOW what you're doing.

I recommend AWC:

http://www.download.com/Advanced-Windows...

It will allow you to manage your start-up applications, and also let you know if there's any problems with your memory.  It does a fantastic job... and its completely free.

If I trust them, that says A LOT, I've always said things like this should be done manually and this is the ONLY such application I've found that works right without being harmful, so I hope you'll try it.

PS: No I don't work for them, but I am VERY impressed.  I'm a PC/IT support tech by trade and this saves me time and money DAILY.