How do I remove Processes from the Windows Task Manager?

Question

I spoke with an aol tech today who told me the reason my computer is so slow is because I have 47 processes and it should be 15-25. (I run scandisk, I defragment, I have virus protection and I run AdAware, I remove temporary internet files and delete cookies, I have DSL and still....slow!).  He advised me to call Microsoft tech support; that they could help me remove some of them--not delete them, but remove them so they weren't all running when I start up or sign on. I'm not even sure what all of them are or how they got there! Microsoft advised me instead to call Dell tech support.  The Dell technician had me go to System Configuration-Startup-and told me to leave a green check only on Norton Internet Security and ccApp.  That made the number of processes go down to 30; better, but still too high, isn't it?  What else can I do? Thanks.   Sue

100mph · Answer

Clean Windows Startup and hidden Startup: http://www.fixyourwindows.com/optimizewindowsstartup.htm Good Luck!

msgale · Answer

I would be easier if you posted your system configuration including which OS you are running, but here goes.  My laptop (Windows XP Pro) start with about thirty-five processes.  My workstation (Windows XP Pro) starts with about forty-seven processes.  So what, do I care - no, should you care the answer is also no.  Let me explain.  My PC has been continuously running for three days.  Currently there are fifty-six processes running, of those thirty-nine have each used less than one minute of CPU time and of that thirty-nine nineteen have used less than one second of CPU time.  Also in the past three days the system idle procees has used over 245 hours of CPU time.   The point I am making is, even I could/would prune a few processe its effect would be insignificant.  If you are running Windows XP, use the task manager to examine which processes are running and the resources used.  P.S. the total time is flacky because of multiple  CPUs Message Edited by msgale on 01-11-2005 09:32 PM

sjde · Answer

I am running Windows XP.  What is Windows XP Service Pack 2? Sue

100mph · Answer

Don’t worry about it. It’s just a part of my signature.

100mph · Answer

... additionally, if running Windows XP or 2000, you could disable some junk Services: http://www.fixyourwindows.com/optimizewindowsservices.htm

msgale · Answer

Multiple svchost.exe arfe normal, they also come in various sizes.  Some place in the back of my mind 'waol' seems to ring a bell, I thnerfore believe it is OK.

sjde · Answer

Some of what I found was waol.exe (30,484 K), webrebates1.exe (7884) and 5 of these--svchost.exe , the largest of which was 7332K.   Sue

100mph · Answer

----------------------------
Process File: waol or waol.exe
Process Name: America Online UI
Description: waol.exe is the executable file for the AOL user interface which allows you to logon to the AOL network, and the Internet.
----------------------------

waol.exe is OK, but you don't need it in your Startup. Just start AOL using a shortcut (Start -> Programs/All Programs -> AOL) when you need it. And if you are not using it, right-click the blue "triangle of death" in your System Tray (space next to the clock) and select Exit or Close. If you ever decide to get normal Internet Service Provider, please see this:
http://www.dslreports.com/search

----------------------------
Process File: webrebates1 or webrebates1.exe
Process Name: WebRebates
Description: webrebates1.exe is an advertising program. This process monitors your browsing habits and distributes the data back to the author's servers for analysis. This also prompts advertising popups. This program is a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.
----------------------------

webrebates1.exe is NOT OK. Check your computer for spyware:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/windowsxpsolutions.htm
(Links to online virus scans on the same page)

Hope this helps!

Windows General

Was this post helpful?