Yes, we have an Apple laptop that we travel with so let’s not get into an Mac OS vs Windows debate.
I had always used msconfig or other programs to disable a lot of the crud that started automatically when you booted Windows. I just wanted to say that the autoruns.exe program (free from Microsoft) is really great. I created a system restore point prior to using it on my desktop and then slowly started eliminating a bunch of the programs that normally started up at boot like windows live, messenger, most auto update programs (I have a list I check every month), hp programs, ati control center etc.
Before disabling something I usually look it up online to make sure it isn’t a critical function and make frequent restore points.
I was getting slaughtered playing COD online and disabling a bunch of those unneeded start up programs really helped speed up my desktop so now I am only a lousy player instead of pathetic.

 

Good info, I'll look into that!

 

Free from Microsoft? Do you have to download it? Where do you find it? FileHippo?

 

Technet at microsoft

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s...rnals/bb963902

 

Thanks! Already did MSConfigs, helped quite a lot.

 

Msconfig works well but but to quote cdnet "This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them".
For me its become the easiest way of stopping all those usless programs.