Preventing Software from Loading at Windows Vista Startup
PrintThis document applies to HP and Compaq desktop computers with Microsoft Windows Vista.
Many software programs on a computer open automatically and are not apparent while working in Windows. Some of these programs are necessary and cannot be changed or removed. Some should be opened only as needed. Others might not be needed at all. One thing all software programs have in common is that they take up processor time and space in memory. This document explains how to determine which software programs might not be needed and how to prevent them from starting up.
Uninstalling unnecessary programs
Removing unnecessary software programs prevents them from starting and gives the hard drive more space. Do the following to remove unwanted programs:
- Click Start
, and then Control Panel
. - Under Programs , click Uninstall a program .
- Examine the items that appear inside the Uninstall or change a program window closely. The items listed are programs currently installed on the computer.
- Select the items in the list that you do not want, and click the Uninstall/Change button.
NOTE:Do not remove items in the list that you are unsure about. The table at the end of this document contains a list of common software programs to help you decide if an item should be removed or not. - After all items have been removed, close all open windows, restart the computer and go to the next step.
Preventing programs from loading
The following sections provide different ways that software can be prevented from opening automatically when Windows opens.
Using systray icons to prevent programs from starting
Each of the small icons on the system tray, next to the time, represents software that runs in the background. Hovering the mouse pointer over any of these icons reveals the software program name or function. You can increase system resources and prevent possible conflicts by reducing the number of these programs that open with Windows.
Sometimes a software program provides a feature that prevents itself from opening with Windows. To see if a program has such a feature, do the following:
- Double-click or right-click on an icon in the tray to bring up more options.
- Look for options or selections in menus that will prevent the software program from starting. Select Open , Options , or Preferences and look for anything related to starting up. If you find a setting that enables the program to start automatically when Windows starts, disable it. If the feature is not available, use the next section and the table at the bottom of this page to prevent the software program from loading.
Removing icons from the Startup folder
Some programs open with a shortcut icon in the startup folder (startup icons). Use the following steps to show any startup icons that are hidden and remove startup icons from the startup folder:
NOTE:Removing items from the Startup folder does not uninstall the software application.
- Right-click Start
, and click Explore
. The Windows Explorer window appears with Start Menu
already selected.
- Click the arrow next to Programs to open the Programs folder.
- Click Startup .The shortcut icons are listed in the right side pane.
- To show icons that are hidden, click Start
, Control Panel
, and then Appearance and Personalization
.
- Under Folder Options , click Show hidden files and folders .The Folder Options window opens with the View tab open.
- To show icons that are hidden, under Hidden files and folders , click Show hidden files and folders , and click OK .
- In the Startup view, click an icon from an unwanted program on the right side of the window, and drag it to a blank area on the Windows desktop. Release the mouse button to drop the startup icon onto the desktop.
- Continue dragging and dropping unwanted startup icons until all unwanted startup icons are on the desktop. Click Yes to any window that pops up asking to confirm the removal of a read-only file.
- Close Explorer and restart the computer for the changes to take effect. Delete the startup icons that were moved to the desktop after you are satisfied with the way the software programs are working.If you find that a particular software program should not have been removed from the startup folder, double-click the startup menu item to open the startup window, and drag and drop the startup icon from the desktop back into the Startup window.
Using Windows Defender to prevent software programs from starting
Some software programs do not place a small icon in the system tray while running. Perform the following steps as an alternative to preventing software programs from starting when Windows opens.
CAUTION: Disable only those items that you know are unnecessary. Disabling programs a device needs might cause the device to not function. For example, you might get a loss of sound, loss of higher colors and graphics modes, and system errors when trying to run programs.
- Click Start
, Control Panel
, Security
, and then Windows Defender
.
- At the top of the window, click Tools .
- Click Software Explorer .The Software Explorer window opens.
- In the Category field, select Startup Programs .
- In the left panel, select the software programs you do not want to automatically start when your computer starts up.Do not select any items you are not sure about.
- Click the Disable button.If you are unsure about a startup item, write the name down and research it on the Internet or consult the table at the end of this document . Never disable or remove a task or program if you do not know what it does.
- At the dialog that asks if you are sure you want to disable the application, click Yes .The tasks or programs selected in the previous steps will not load when Windows restarts.
- To re-enable the program or task, follow the steps above, select the programs you want to re-enable, and click Enable at the lower right in the Software Explorer window.CAUTION: If Windows or other important software stops working after a checkmark is removed, start Windows in Safe Mode and replace the checkmark. To start Windows in Safe Mode, turn the computer on and when the first screen appears, press F8 repeatedly at the logo screen, and select Safe Mode .
Disabling HP TouchSmart Software
Items that begin with HPTS or HP TouchSmart are related to the HP Touchsmart software. Consult the table at the end of this document
. If you do not use the HP TouchSmart software, you can prevent it from opening and running in the background by performing the following steps:
- Open the TouchSmart software.
- Click Personalize .
- Click TouchSmart Settings .
- Remove the checkmarks from the Auto-Start and Quick Launch .
- Click OK and close the Touchsmart Software.
Reference: Software programs that start automatically and what they do
The software programs in the following table are some of the most common software programs that open with Windows on HP and Compaq desktop computers. It does not list every possible software program that can be loaded onto the computer. If a software program is not on this list, write the name down and research it on the Internet using an Internet search site.
CAUTION:A name in the following list might also be the name of virus or Trojan. Many viruses and Trojans copy a system file name so that unsuspecting people delete a system file that prevents Windows from opening. Use virus scanning and removal software to find and remove viruses and Trojans. Do not rely on this list to determine if a file is a virus or Trojan.
| Startup program | File name | What the program does |
|---|---|---|
| America Online Instant Messenger | Aim | Prevent from starting only if it is not used regularly. Open through the Programs menu. |
| Andrea filters APO access service | AEADISRV.EXE | Used by SOUNDMax for microphone processing. |
| Apple Mobile Device Service | AppleMobileDeviceService.exe | Enables iTunes to communicate with Apple iPhone and Apple TV. |
| Bluetooth Headset Skype Proxy | BluetoothHeadsetProxy.exe | Allows programs to connect to Bluetooth headset. |
| Bluetooth Stack COM Server | BTStackServer.exe | Used by computer to communicate with Bluetooth devices. |
| Bluetooth Support Server | btwdins.exe | Used for Bluetooth devices on your computer. |
| Bluetooth Tray Application | BTTray.exe | Allows connection of Bluetooth enabled wireless devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. |
| Bonjour Service | mDNSResponder.exe | Supports the Bonjour service used by iTunes. |
| Caps Lock | Num Lock | Scroll Lock State | Keystatus.exe | Monitors status of lock keys on keyboard. |
| Client Server Runtime Process | csrss.exe | Used by the Windows Vista operating system. Do not disable. |
| CyberLink Media Library Service | CLMLSvc.exe | Manages the media libraries. |
| CyberLink PowerCinema Resident Program | DVDAgent.exe TSMAgent.exe | Used by HP Power Cinema. |
| Desktop Window Manager | dwm.exe | Used by Windows Vista for graphical displays. |
| Fast User | FastUserSwitching.exe | Allows switching between user accounts without logging off. |
| HD Audio Control Panel | RtHDVCpl.exe | Provides the computer with high-definition audio. To avoid sound problems, do not prevent from starting. |
| Host Process for Windows Services | svchost.exe | Windows process that hosts services needed to perform various functions. |
| HP Advisor | HPAdvisor.exe | Instrumental in keeping the computer protected from viruses and corruption. |
| Hewlett-Packard Company KBD EXE | kbd.exe | Multimedia keyboard manager. One-touch keys do not work without this enabled, but the rest of the keyboard works. |
| HP Connections | HPCONN~1.exe | Provides notices, support updates, tips, and special offers. It is safe to prevent from starting. |
| HP.CPC.TS | HPTSEnProxy.exe | TouchSmart software. Provides two-touch information to the TouchSmart software applications. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart. |
| HP.CPC.TS.S | HPTSEnSrv.exe | TouchSmart software. Provides two-touch information to the TouchSmart software applications. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart. |
| hp digital imaging - hp all-in-one series | HPWuSchd2.exe | Allows the computer to automatically receive software update notifications from HP over the Internet. It is safe to prevent from starting, but it can be helpful in maintaining the latest software and drivers for your computer. |
| HP MediaSmart | SmartMenu.exe | Used to launch the MediaSmart application from keyboards and remote controls. Do not disable this program. |
| HPRun | hprun.exe | Opens HP Total Care Advisor. If you want Advisor to run, do not prevent this program from starting. |
| hpsysdrv | hpsysdrv.exe | Keeps track of system recoveries. It should not be disabled. |
| HP Total Care Advisor | HPAdvisor.exe | Instrumental in keeping the computer protected from viruses and corruption. |
| HP Health Check Service | HPHC_Service.exe | Scans your computer to alert about updates, and hardware and software conditions that impact performance. |
| HP TouchSmart Calendar | GCalService.exe | TouchSmart Calendar application that allows the user to set up reminder notifications for events. It controls the Reminder LED on the PC. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart. |
| HP TouchSmart Calendar & Notes | HPTouchSmartSyncCalReminderApp.exe | TouchSmart software that works in conjunction with GCalService and accesses user data files. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart. |
| Input Personalization Server | InputPersonalization.exe | For use with Tablet PCs for handwriting recognition and conversion to text. |
| Intel Common User Interface | igfxtray.exe | Required for graphics drivers. Do not disable this program. |
| Intel Common User Interface | hkcmd.exe | Required for graphics drivers. Do not disable this program. |
| Intel Common User Interface | igfxpers.exe | Required for graphics drivers. Do not disable this program. |
| iPod Service Module | iPodService.exe | iTunes software used if you have an iPod. |
| iTunes Helper Module | iTunesHelper.exe | iTunes software for CD writing. |
| Java™ Platform SE Binary | jusched.exe | Checks for Java updates. |
| Keyboard & Mouse Battery Volume Detection | HPKEYBOARD.EXE | Application software for the keyboard set. Displays message when battery level is low. |
| Local Security Authority Process | lsass.exe | Authenticates user logons. Do not disable this program. |
| Local Session Manager Service | lsm.exe | Manages terminal server connections. Do not disable this program. |
| Microsoft Software Licensing Services | SLsvc.exe | Protects software programs from copyright infringement. Do not disable this programs. |
| Microsoft Userinit Logon Application | userinit.exe | Used by the Windows Operating System for network connections and starting Windows. Do not disable this program. |
| Microsoft Tablet PC Input Component | wisptis.exe | Tablet PC software for pen input device. |
| Microsoft Windows Explorer, or Windows Explorer | explorer.exe | User interface for the operating system. Provides access to programs and files on the computer. Do not disable this program. |
| Microsoft Windows Search Indexer | SearchIndexer.exe | Indexes file contents and properties for searching purposes. |
| Microsoft Windows Sidebar | sidebar.exe | Windows Vista Sidebar. This is the program that enables desktop gadgets. If you do not want to use any gadgets, close by right-clicking in the sidebar area and selecting Close Sidebar . |
| NT Kernel & System | system | Default system counter. Do not disable this program. |
| NVIDIA Compatible Windows 2000 | NvStartup.dll | Needed for optimum graphics. |
| NVIDIA Driver Helper Service | nvsvc.dll, nvsvc.exe | Needed for optimum graphics. |
| NVIDIA Media Center Library | NvMcTray.dll | Needed for optimum graphics. |
| OSD | HWManager.exe | Controls the on-screen display when adjusting audio volume and LCD panel brightness level. This program cannot be disabled, but it can be uninstalled. |
| OsdMaestro main program | OSD64.exe | Provides an interface to configure onscreen display settings |
| OSD Form | OSDForm.exe | Used for onscreen display. |
| Percentage of time the processor is idle | SystemIdleProcess | Counter that measures CPU idle time at any particular time. |
| PictureMover Application | PictureMover.exe | Automatically uploads pictures from digital cameras or memory cards that are connected to the computer. |
| RAID Event Monitor | Iaanotif.exe | Depending on how you configure it, RAID helps optimize the performance of the computer. It has facilities to partition and back up data. |
| Services and Controller app | services.exe | Services control manager is responsible for starting, stopping and interacting with system services. Do not disable this program. |
| SMax4PNP | Smax4pnp.exe | Used for analog audio devices. |
| SoundMAX Audio Settings | SoundMAX.exe | Installs the graphical user interface for controlling the audio settings. Do not disable this program. |
| Spooler SubSystem App | spoolsv.exe | Windows Print Spooler service for all fax and print jobs. |
| Symantec Core Component | symlcsvc.exe | This is antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.). |
| Symantec Security Technologies | ccApp.exe | This is antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.). |
| Symantec Service Framework | ccSvcHst.exe | Displays user interface for antivirus software. |
| Symantec Shared Component | osCheck.exe | Part of the suite of antivirus software programs. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.). |
| SymCUW | SYMCUW.exe | This is antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.). |
| Tablet PC Input Panel Accessory | tabtip.exe | Handwriting recognition personalization tool for Tablet PCs. |
| Tablet PC Input Panel Helper | tabtip32.exe | Controls the onscreen keyboard. |
| Task Scheduler Engine | taskeng.exe | Responsible for running certain processes at predefined times. |
| Windows Audio Device Graph | audiodg.exe | Hosts audio engine for Windows Vista. |
| Windows Defender | MSASCui.exe | An antispyware program that provides real-time protection, and postinfection scanning and removal. |
| Windows Driver Foundation | WUDFHost.exe | Part of the Windows Operating System |
| Windows host process (Rundll32) | rundll32.exe | Command line utility program; runs dlls. Do not disable this program. |
| Windows Logon Application | winlogon.exe | Sets parental controls on your computer. |
| Windows Session Manager | smss.exe | Session manager subsystem that starts, manages, and deletes user sessions. Do not disable this program. |
| Windows Startup Application | wininit.exe | Starts some of the core Windows Vista background services. Do not disable this program. |
| Windows Task Manager | taskmgr.exe | Launches Windows Task Manager. Do not disable this program. |
| WMI Provider Host | WmiPrvSE.exe | Windows Management Instrumentation is used to develop applications for monitoring computer activity. |
Related information
For more information about software programs that start automatically and what they do, see the following:
Uniblue's Process Library Web site -
ProcessLibrary.com
(in English)
NOTE:One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard Web site. HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside the HP Web site.
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