The next, more advanced tool we are now going to use is called Autoruns.  This program can be found on Microsoft’s website at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx.

The file is a zip file, so you will need to download it and extract the files to a folder on your desktop or put the files in a folder of your choosing.  Once they are extracted, double-click the file “autoruns.exe” which will start the program.  When the program first starts, it will scan your computer which normally takes a few seconds.

Autoruns

As you can see, the program pulls an enormous amount of information from your computer but we are only interested in the “Logon” tab so click that tab.  In this tab, you will see all of the programs your computer is loading when it starts up.  Sometimes when you install a program like Quicktime or iTunes, the program will add a helper file to your logon list which runs when the computer boots up.  This files “helps” the main program start faster.  Well, what if we don’t even use that program while we are on our computer?  In that case, it just takes up memory and slows down the boot process, so I say un-check files like this for an easy slow computer fix.  Once the logon file is un-checked, it will still be there if you want to check it back later, but next time you reboot the computer it will no longer load during the startup process.

Other programs you may want to un-check are programs like instant messengers and email programs.  When your computer boots up, you can start these as you need them, otherwise, they just cause slow computer speed which increases the chance of having a slow booting computer.  Once you are done deciding which items to un-check, close Autoruns and reboot your computer for the changes to be made.  Not only will Autoruns increase your boot up speed, but you will also notice a difference in the shutdown process if your computer suffers from slow computer shutdown (how to fix slow computer).  Below is a basic video on how Autoruns works.

The above video pretty clearly demonstrates how to use the Autoruns program, so by now I hope you have a good understanding of the program and what it can do to help you speed up your computer.

Take it easy,

Steve

Startup Programs Running

The startup programs listed here are just a small example of what could be running on your computer.  There could also be a number of background programs running that are not displayed by the clock.  In order to really learn a slow computer fix, you need to open up one of two programs.  The beginner/intermediate level program is MSConfig and the advanced level program is Autoruns.

Let’s first take a look at MSConfig.  To open MSConfig, click the Start button, then click run (xp) or type run (vista) to bring up the run (open) box.  In that box, type msconfig, press enter and you will see a box that looks like the one below.  Next, click on the Startup tab.

MSConfig Startup

There are three columns in the startup tab and check boxes.  If a box has a check in it, that means the file is set to run when the computer starts up.  The first column is “Startup Item” which basically tells you the name of the program.  The second is “command” which tells your computer the command for starting the program.  The third column shows you where the program is set to start.

What we are going to do now is un-check (disable) the items that we do not need when the computer starts up.  Some of you may be a little timid to do this but it’s really not a big deal.  Un-checking a box doesn’t delete the program, it just disables it.  If your computer doesn’t act normal after these changes, you can always go back into MSconfig and check some of the items back to turn them back on.  Disabling these programs is a good example of how to fix a slow computer for free.  There is no need to buy some expensive program that promises to fix everything.  You can do this!

In deciding which programs to disable, I would suggest expanding the Commands column so you will have a better idea of what the program actually is based on the directory it is stored in.  To expand the Commands column, put your cursor/mouse just to the left of the word Location (on the line to the left of Location), your mouse will then change into a plus sign.  At this point, left click on the line and drag the line to the right expanding the Commands column as much as you need and let the mouse button go when done.  I would say it is safe to un-check everything but your firewall and anti-virus.  You really don’t need an instant messenger or Quicktime, or realplayer, or yahoo starting up when your computer boots, so disable those and others that don’t look like they are critical for startup.

I know this may be hard to comprehend so please take a look at this video demonstration of MSConfig:

I hope this has helped you understand more about your computer and how to speed it up.  In my next post (How to Fix a Slow Computer – Part II, I will discuss the more advanced tool: Autoruns.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments sections and if you missed one of my earlier articles like “Why is my computer so slow?”, then feel free to explore the site for more answers to help you fix a slow running computer.

Take it easy,

Steve