inthesticks
New member
Many users are concerned about the low level of system resources available to them. Much of the problem is due to the number of programs which are loaded and run when the system starts up.
The following list will help clarify what these programs are and if they are necessary. Programs are coded to aid in determining if they are necessary. Those which must not be removed have two ** by their names, those which can be removed without a problem have no asterik, and those which may or may not be required have one *.
*Adaptec DirectCD Allows user to drag and drop files to a CD-R. If this capability isn't used frequently, this doesn't need to always be loaded.
Adobe Gamma Loader.exe: Used to load graphics parameters. Not necessary in Startup.
Ahqtb: More controls for a Creative sound card. These functions are all available through the Start menu.
alogserv.exe: A McAfee program. It's reported to cause jerky graphics response in a number of games.
*AudioHQ: Loads the desktop control panel for the Creative Live card. Leave it checked if you want it.
*AvconsoleEXE: An antivirus program. Some users don't have AV running all the time, preferring rather to do manual scans. It's your call.
*C:\Program File\Dell\Motive: Related to Dell's Resolution Asst.
CleanSweep, SmartSweep, InternetSweep: All three of these CleanSweep modules can be run manually.
Cal reminder shortcut: Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Works Calendar.
Controller: Starts WinFax Pro at startup. Not needed.
Critical Update: Contacts Microsoft frequently looking for updates. Uncheck it and visit the update site manually.
*CSInject.exe: Related to CleanSweep. Unchecking it will disable some functions of CleanSweep.
**CTSysVol: This is associated with a Creative sound card, and adds volume controls to the Windows volume controls
DDT: See DellWB1
DEMCleanup: See DellWB1
DellWB1, DellWB2, DellWB3, etc.: These programs are used by Dell as part of the software download checkout at the factory. If they're still on your machine, they serve no purpose. Delete them by going to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE|Softwa
re|Microsoft|Windows|Curr
entVersion|Run and right-clicking any found there and selecting "Delete."
Do the same for HKLM|Software|Microsoft|W
indows|CurrentVersion|Run
Services.
*devldr16.exe: Associated with Creative Labs sound cards. Provides audio support for DOS applications. If you don't have those, you don't need this.
Disknag: A little program that reminds you to make your backup diskettes. Not necessary in Startup.
*EM-EXEC: This is mouse software. Some users uncheck it with no problem. Try unchecking it and if problems occur, restore it to Startup.
ENCMON: The Encompass Monitor. This program is the Connect Direct Program. It's more trouble than it is worth: few use it.
*EPSON Background Monitor: This little utility is supposed to keep an Epson printer ready for quick printing. Users report little difference whether it is on or not.
**explorer: Required for Windows.
**FEELitDeviceManager: Associated with Immersion TouchSense devices (Logitech Wingman Force Feedback Mouse and possibly other peripherals)
**Hidserv.exe.run: This is the Human Interface Device Server. Required if you are using USB Audio Devices
HP ScanPicture: Used with an HP scanner. It will load when the scanner is going to be used--no need to have it available all the time.
*ICQ NetDetect Agent: Automatically connects to ICQ when the user goes online. Not necessary, but a convenience.
ICSMGR: Monitors DNS and DHCP requests for ICS (Internet Connection Sharing).
Iomega Disk Icons: All this does is change the icon form the Iomega drive.
*Iomega Startup Options: Related to the Zip drive. It adds the right-click context menu selections for the Zip drive.
Iomega Watch: Related to the Zip drive--not needed.
LoadPowerProfile: Required if you are using Power Management (accessed through Start|Settings|Control Panel|Power). If so, there will be two instances. This is normal.
Loadqm: Loads the MSN Explorer Query Manager--a waste of resources and bandwidth. (It is also used by MSN Explorer 6.x to check for updates.)
*Machine Debug Manager: Used by developers for debugging. Those who have encountered it have unchecked it with no degradation in performance.
*Mad.exe: Related to Dell's Resolution Assistant
*McAfeeWEbScanX: Antivirus program. Keep it unless you are sure you will faithfully do manual scans and practice safe computing.
*MiniLog: This activates ZoneAlarm's logging module. Not required if logging is not enabled (by checking "Log alerts to a text file" under the Alerts button.
***PART 2 will continue with the next post***
The following list will help clarify what these programs are and if they are necessary. Programs are coded to aid in determining if they are necessary. Those which must not be removed have two ** by their names, those which can be removed without a problem have no asterik, and those which may or may not be required have one *.
*Adaptec DirectCD Allows user to drag and drop files to a CD-R. If this capability isn't used frequently, this doesn't need to always be loaded.
Adobe Gamma Loader.exe: Used to load graphics parameters. Not necessary in Startup.
Ahqtb: More controls for a Creative sound card. These functions are all available through the Start menu.
alogserv.exe: A McAfee program. It's reported to cause jerky graphics response in a number of games.
*AudioHQ: Loads the desktop control panel for the Creative Live card. Leave it checked if you want it.
*AvconsoleEXE: An antivirus program. Some users don't have AV running all the time, preferring rather to do manual scans. It's your call.
*C:\Program File\Dell\Motive: Related to Dell's Resolution Asst.
CleanSweep, SmartSweep, InternetSweep: All three of these CleanSweep modules can be run manually.
Cal reminder shortcut: Produces a pop-up reminder of events scheduled using the MS Works Calendar.
Controller: Starts WinFax Pro at startup. Not needed.
Critical Update: Contacts Microsoft frequently looking for updates. Uncheck it and visit the update site manually.
*CSInject.exe: Related to CleanSweep. Unchecking it will disable some functions of CleanSweep.
**CTSysVol: This is associated with a Creative sound card, and adds volume controls to the Windows volume controls
DDT: See DellWB1
DEMCleanup: See DellWB1
DellWB1, DellWB2, DellWB3, etc.: These programs are used by Dell as part of the software download checkout at the factory. If they're still on your machine, they serve no purpose. Delete them by going to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE|Softwa
re|Microsoft|Windows|Curr
entVersion|Run and right-clicking any found there and selecting "Delete."
Do the same for HKLM|Software|Microsoft|W
indows|CurrentVersion|Run
Services.
*devldr16.exe: Associated with Creative Labs sound cards. Provides audio support for DOS applications. If you don't have those, you don't need this.
Disknag: A little program that reminds you to make your backup diskettes. Not necessary in Startup.
*EM-EXEC: This is mouse software. Some users uncheck it with no problem. Try unchecking it and if problems occur, restore it to Startup.
ENCMON: The Encompass Monitor. This program is the Connect Direct Program. It's more trouble than it is worth: few use it.
*EPSON Background Monitor: This little utility is supposed to keep an Epson printer ready for quick printing. Users report little difference whether it is on or not.
**explorer: Required for Windows.
**FEELitDeviceManager: Associated with Immersion TouchSense devices (Logitech Wingman Force Feedback Mouse and possibly other peripherals)
**Hidserv.exe.run: This is the Human Interface Device Server. Required if you are using USB Audio Devices
HP ScanPicture: Used with an HP scanner. It will load when the scanner is going to be used--no need to have it available all the time.
*ICQ NetDetect Agent: Automatically connects to ICQ when the user goes online. Not necessary, but a convenience.
ICSMGR: Monitors DNS and DHCP requests for ICS (Internet Connection Sharing).
Iomega Disk Icons: All this does is change the icon form the Iomega drive.
*Iomega Startup Options: Related to the Zip drive. It adds the right-click context menu selections for the Zip drive.
Iomega Watch: Related to the Zip drive--not needed.
LoadPowerProfile: Required if you are using Power Management (accessed through Start|Settings|Control Panel|Power). If so, there will be two instances. This is normal.
Loadqm: Loads the MSN Explorer Query Manager--a waste of resources and bandwidth. (It is also used by MSN Explorer 6.x to check for updates.)
*Machine Debug Manager: Used by developers for debugging. Those who have encountered it have unchecked it with no degradation in performance.
*Mad.exe: Related to Dell's Resolution Assistant
*McAfeeWEbScanX: Antivirus program. Keep it unless you are sure you will faithfully do manual scans and practice safe computing.
*MiniLog: This activates ZoneAlarm's logging module. Not required if logging is not enabled (by checking "Log alerts to a text file" under the Alerts button.
***PART 2 will continue with the next post***