I received an email from Terry’s Computer Tips reader Cecil, who said:
Hi Terry, I am enjoying your newsletter … very informative and timely … here’s my question:
By using MSCONFIG on Windows XP Pro under the startup tab, what are the minimum items that need to be “checked” for fastest bootup? BootVis is not much help and the startup items in MSCONFIG are difficult to identify. The window that MSCONFIG opens is small and cannot be stretched to assist identification of the items. I have reviewed BlackViper.com’s descriptions but that list is long and many items do not apply for a fast bootup. So, I am guessing that someone out there has done the optimization for the fastest bootup by eliminating many of the items under the MSCONFIG startup tab???? I hope.
Rather than using MSCONFIG and having little help to decide what is necessary other than extensive Google searching, my choice of programs to address auto-starting programs and services is called WinPatrol (www.winpatrol.com) to handle my Windows XP Bugs in the Background.
WinPatrol is free to download and use in its freeware version. WinPatrol Plus ($29.95), which is the same program but unlocked with your unique id & password, provides a couple extra functions. The big value to this cheap tool is the online access to its database of services and startup programs. Another significant point — the license covers all your PCs. The Plus version is not licensed on an individual computer basis.
Simply select the program, click on the Info button and then the Plus Info button to access WinPatrol’s website with your browser. The display will tell you about the program you selected . It will also recommend whether to remove the program or not.
Current versions of WinPatrol allow you to “Disable” startup programs, while earlier ones would only remove startup items. This makes experimentation easy, since you can “Enable” them again without reinstalling whatever program was involved.
Regarding BlackViper.com’s site (it was dead, available only via the WayBack Machine, but it’s alive again!), it has huge amount of detail on services. There is also a section that has recommended services settings for various purposes (game playing, etc).
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