Thanks a bunch guys. I disabled the list of things and it still opened up, then I disabled all and it did not open. Even though it did not open I wanted to know just which one was the culprit and since ya'll told me it was safe to do this I figured I could experiment so I was in hog heaven. There was one that was blank under Startup Item and Command and under Location it said SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrent VersionRun, so leaving everything disabled I put a check mark next to that one and it opened. I also tried everything checked except that one and it did not open so I guess that one is the culprit. I think I will keep everything disabled because my computer starts up a lot faster. As for that thingamajig on that other screen that says cat something or other I have no idea what it is. But whatever I am happy as a lark.
Jim, I guess I should uninstall the screensaver I have on here now before I install this one shouldn't I? I have messed things up so many times deleting and uninstalling things in the past I am afraid to do anything without asking any more. You are definately right I am not comuter savvy. Even things that make sense to me doesn't mean a whole lot because what makes sense to me doesn't necessarily make sense. LOL
Thank you,
Shirley
Hey Shirley - Good on ya...well done mate!!!
You probably won't believe this but I actually did identify that blank entry as the most likely culprit but then missed it from the list of items to disable....probably because it was blank.....LOL
Anyway, main thing is it is fixed now and you have a much cleaner machine to work with too.....plus you have been learning along the way....terrific!!!
[i:p8ezu53r]"I guess I should uninstall the screensaver I have on here now before I install this one shouldn't I"[/i:p8ezu53r]
Pretty sure you're referring to the screen capture utility you downloaded and installed previously and not a 'screensaver'. So the answer is yes, uninstall that one first. You don't need two of them. Have a look and see if the program includes its own uninstaller and use that, it will usually show up as an option in [b:p8ezu53r]StartAll ProgramsProgram name[/b:p8ezu53r]. It's always best to use a program's built in uninstaller if available. If no uninstaller came with it then go to [b:p8ezu53r]StartControl PanelAdd or Remove[/b:p8ezu53r] and uninstall it from there.
Ziggie is right about the quantity of items you have starting up with Windows, many of them are to enable little extras for installed hardware; e.g. the Logitech entries expand functionality for mouse and/or webcam...... most people have no need for the extras, many do not even know what the heck they do anyway.....LOL
Most of the others are for checking to see if certain installed software is up to date; e.g. Java, Adobe Reader, Quick Time Player, etc. You know when you get those little popup messages; e.g. 'There is a Java update available. Do you want to download and install now?'...or something along those lines. That is being created by the associated updater which is starting up with Windows and scheduled to check periodically if any updates are available.
It's important to keep software up to date as most updates are to fix vulnerabilities (which can be exploited by malware). Experienced users, such as Ziggie and I do include myself , will generally check manually but less experienced users don't think to do that and so their system remains vulnerable unless a message pops up and annoys them. That's why I generally advise people to leave them enabled.
When I have a little time I shall go through all your startup entries and let you know what each one does, including a recommendation to leave enabled or disable and you can take it from there. I'll send a PM (personal message) when that is done.
Now, as for your anti virus program Shield Deluxe 2009. I have to admit it's one I have never heard of and some quick research has not uncovered much info. Editor reviews are not too bad but user reviews are awful. It certainly is not among the most reputable and well known products. The thing that bothers me most is all the malware discovered by MBAM and SAS which seems to reflect badly on Shield Deluxe. I believe you would get better protection from [b:p8ezu53r]free[/b:p8ezu53r]ware products. I understand you will have paid for a subscription but if and when you are ready to change just let me know and I'll recommend the best....only the best from DCT
Talk to you later mate,
Hugs to you and a big wet sloppy kiss for Richard.....LOL
JIM
Jim,
I kind of figured that you figured that one was the culprit and had overlooked it when making your list. That was really the reason I did all the experimenting with it so it would be done if it was what was causing it and would save you some time trying to explain things to me. That would be great if you give me a list of things I might should leave checked. Just whenever you have the time will be fine, there is no hurry.
I didn't realize that I had said screensaver. Yes I meant the screen capture. I got to thinking about it and thought that was pretty dumb even for me, to even think of doing anything besides uninstalling it first so I went ahead and uninstalled it a few minutes ago and got back on here to get the link and install the other one.
I can't thank you enough Jim for all the help you have given me.
Shirley
Wow, nice sum up.
I recommend disabling the 'phone home' widget things because they annoy the **** out of me. If you enjoy the constant phoneing home and annoyances, then by all means, leave them enabled.
Either keep the files up to date through a service like Secunia, or update when the notifications occur every time the software runs. But Please please please don't let this crap run on your computer.
OK. carry on.
Jim, thank you for the list. It helps tremendously. I followed all instructions and everything is running great. When I start my computer it starts in a jiffy now. As for Kasperksy I have never had it installed on my computer. In fact I had never even heard of it until you mentioned it. The only virus software I have ever used is Norton, Avg free version, McAfee and now Shield Deluxe. I have never used Norton on the computer I have now. I got angry with them several years ago because I had just purchased Norton about 2 or 3 months before I had to do a complete PC restore and they would not let me redownload it because they had already come out with a newer version. I couldn't redownload it or get a credit for it, just tough luck. I argued with them about it but nothing I said did any good. However, it looks like the avp is related to Shield Deluxe because I ran a search on my computer for avp and it shows that it is related to Shield deluxe and also to one of my games that is from Spiderweb software. I also looked to see when Shield deluxe expires and the date is 12/25/09 so when it expires I will appreciate your recommendation for a free antivirus.
Ziggy, I am ashamed to admit it but I have no idea what you mean when you say 'phone home' widget things.
Thanks a bunch to you both,
Shirley
Shirley
You are most welcome Shirley and I'm pleased to hear your machine is now behaving much better.
I would not recommend Norton to my worst enemy, I have heard of many dodgy business practices connected to them and their software is far from satisfactory anyway.
I thought avp must be associated with Shield Deluxe so that should definitely be left enabled....you would know that though.
The 'phone home' widget things that Ziggie was referring to are the update checkers. That is what they are designed to do; 'phone home' (or actually connect to the home site) to see if there are any updates and then report to you (display a message) if any are available. You have had a few auto starting (running) including the Java updater and HP printer software updater.
You must have bought Shield Deluxe as a Christmas present....lol. OK mate, we'll discuss the best freeware replacements around a week prior to expiration.
cheers now....JIM
Truly an [b:3fnb0tv9]excellent[/b:3fnb0tv9] diagnostic job you did there Jim! I've been following this from the beginning and am very impressed.
The only point I would contest is DLACTRLW. [b:3fnb0tv9]D[/b:3fnb0tv9]rive [b:3fnb0tv9]L[/b:3fnb0tv9]etter [b:3fnb0tv9]A[/b:3fnb0tv9]ccess [b:3fnb0tv9]C[/b:3fnb0tv9]ontrol provides drag and drop functionality when writing to CD-RW and DVD-RW disks. I don't know a lot of people who use the CD/DVD drives in that manner, so I would disable it.
There will be a little "something extra" in your paycheck this week!
Aw..shucks. Thanks mate, high praise indeed coming from someone as knowledgeable as your good self!!
I defer to your thoughts on DLACTRLW...however:
1) I [i:1l862eed]do[/i:1l862eed] know lots of people who use the drag 'n drop method for writing CD/DVD's.....I guess we move in different circles.
2) The following is a direct quote from the Sysinfo site: [i:1l862eed]DLACTRLW - Drive letter access to a UDF packet writer for CD-RW - from HP, Veritas and others. Similar to Roxio's DirectCD and does the same thing. [b:1l862eed]From HP - "This is a needed file as it controls the readability of the Combo drives. Without this file loading the end user will be able to burn CD's but wont be able to read them. The drive itself will be able to read store bought master Cd's without the file but not burnt ones"[/b:1l862eed][/i:1l862eed]
How much faith can we put in that statement, especially considering it comes from HP??? I reckon I would trust your opinion over theirs any day!
cheers Dave.....JIM
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