January 14th, 2004 15:00

Hi Fredha,

Thanks for the response.

I already had located the file that was the "root" of the problem. However, even the >>Properties --> Version tab on this file does not tell what it does and why it is running and consuming all of the system resources.

I just want to know what exactly it does and why it is needed.

Thanks,

Ken

1.1K Posts

January 14th, 2004 15:00

This has something to do with Dell's preinstalled software. Look under Program Files\Dell\Direct Access\dadtray.exe.

10 Posts

January 14th, 2004 23:00

Hi Ken

have a look at the following link

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cache:bQOrqc32KaIJ:www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist_d.htm+what+is+dadtray.exe&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

If you look for dadtray.exe, and then read the info for dadapp.exe it explains what the services are for.  As this is just for the implementation of the programmable buttons on your laptop, then you are able to disable this task, which should then leave your laptop resources free...... Anti-virus can run, but you can continue to work on the laptop.

Forget about purchasing the software that the link above recommends.  You can complete this manually.

 

Coxy

Message Edited by Coxy UK on 01-14-2004 07:25 PM

January 15th, 2004 12:00

Hello Coxy UK,

Thanks for the reply. I had looked in several places for the usage of DADTRAY.EXE and had not found an exact description of the service. I will disable it since I don't use the programmable keys anyway. Just for your and everyone elses information, I came into work a little late today (too late for the virus scanner to run), checked my email, and saw that you had replied to my post. When I clicked on the link in Outlook, it literally took over five minutes for the message forum board page to open because... you guessed it, DADTRAY.EXE was running and had 85% of the system resources used up.

It makes me wonder what this program is doing to use up all of those resources? I thought about putting some kind of packet sniffer on our internet gateway just to see if it is making contact with an outside source.

Once again thanks for the insight and help.

Ken

10 Posts

January 15th, 2004 20:00

Ok what i would prob recommend you do - is to download the following software.... I dont know how PC literate you are, so its prob best to go with a software option.........

 

http://www.wheresjames.com/StartupMgr_home.htm

Download the startup manager, I have this installed on my PC, and it is really good, and simple to use.  The software is free.  Once installed, you will have an icon like a flag in your system tray ( next to where the clock is displayed )

Click on the icon, and select with your mouse

HKEY_Local_Machine\Run

This will then give you the list of programs that are enabled to start up, when Windows does.

 

You should see DadApp listed, and the tick box directly on the left to it, if you tick that box, then it will be removed from your start up services programs.  Also to the left of that, you do have the option to delete the program from the start up lists all together, but I wouldnt recommend that you do that, just remove the tick in the check box, and you should then find, that the next time you boot up your laptop, this service does not start

Hope this helps

Coxy UK

1 Message

January 15th, 2004 20:00

Coxy UK,

What is the best way to disable dadtray.exe?  I am encountering similar problem, occasionally, on Inspiron 2650 running XP Home.

Thanks,

wetdawg

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