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Compaq Presario CQ40-314BR Notebook PC Troubleshooting

Preventing Programs from Starting When Windows Starts (Windows 7, Vista)

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This document pertains to HP Notebook PCs with Windows 7 and Vista.

Understanding startup programs

At startup, many programs launch background processes that take up space in memory waiting for it to be used. For example, scanners, photo viewers, Bluetooth devices, and camera software can all load on startup, and remain resident in memory, even when not actively in use. Most of these processes are not needed by every program or game. If the computer is running slowly and overall performance seems to have degraded since purchasing the notebook, removing these speciality programs from the normal startup process may improve overall performance. To shorten the start up time, start the computer in Safe Mode, identify applications that are not necessary for startup, and then disable startup tasks that do not contribute to system performance.
Preventing programs from starting when Windows starts requires restarting the computer a few times. Consider printing this document before proceeding with steps.

Starting the computer in safe mode

To start the computer in safe mode, follow the steps below.
  1. Remove all CDs and DVDs from the computer.
  2. Shut down the computer.
  3. After the computer completely shuts down, press the power button on the computer, and then immediately press and hold the F8 key to open the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  4. Use the down arrow key to select Safe Mode with Networking and then press enter .
    Wait while the computer loads Windows files.
  5. Log onto the computer with an account that has administrator rights.

Preventing programs from loading during startup

After starting Windows in Safe Mode, use the System Configuration utility to prevent programs from starting when Windows starts by following the steps below.
  1. Click Start , enter system into the search field, and then select System Configuration from the list.
    The System Configuration utility opens.
  2. On the General tab, click Selective startup , and then de-select Load startup items .
  3. Click Apply and then OK .
  4. Restart the computer.
If the computer:
  • does not restart and operate properly - there is a more severe problem. It may be necessary to reinstall Windows.
  • restarts and operates properly - enable the applicable applications in the Startup tab of the System Configuration program.
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Disabling startup tasks that do not contribute to system performance

Use the System Configuration utility to disable startup tasks by following the steps below.
WARNING:Disabling system-critical items could cause the computer to stop operating. Research all unknown task items before disabling them
  1. Click Start , enter system into the search field, and then select System Configuration from the list.
  2. Click the Services tab and then clear the check boxes from any tasks that do not contribute to system performance and are unwanted. Do not clear a task check box if you do not understand the task function. Research unknown task functions on the internet.
  3. Click Apply and then click OK to accept the changes.
    NOTE:If Windows or other software applications stop working after disabling a task, restart the computer, go to the Services tab on the System Configuration utility and re-select the checkbox for the task.
  4. Restart the computer.
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Research all unknown tasks before disabling them

To research an unknown task in the startup configuration, follow the steps below.
  1. Press ctrl + alt + del at the same time, click Start Task Manager , and then click the Processes tab.
  2. View the processes listed under Image Name .
    If there are any processes that you do not recognize, conduct an internet search to look up the image name to determine what the programs relates to and what other users say about it.
    If you determine that the process:
    • should be running - close Task Manager.
    • should not be running - click End Process .
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Do not disable critical startup tasks

Do not disable the startup tasks listed below in Windows Vista. This list is not a complete list of all startup tasks, and the tasks may not used on your computer.
  • BTTray.exe
  • QPService.exe
  • HPHC_Scheduler.exe
  • HPWuSchd2.exe
  • QlbCtrl.exe
  • MSASCui.exe
  • NVCpl.dll
  • NvStartup
  • NVMcTray
  • NvTaskbarInit
  • jusched.exe
  • ccApp.exe
  • cltUIStb.exe
  • osCheck.exe
  • SynTPEnh.exr
  • WiFiMsg.exe
  • HPWAMain.exe
  • HPWuSch2.exe
  • hpqwmiex.exe (HP ProtectTools)
  • HP ProtectTools Service (This may be required to logon to the computer during diagnosis.)
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