start up Programs

[lktknow]

I recently had to do system recovery on my computer because, I have my windows updates from Microsoft installed automatically at 3am. I got up one morning last week and I got the dreaded blue screen, and it finally went to the black screen asking me if I wanted to "start windows normally", or "start windows under start repair" (recommended) ... I picked "normally", and it refused to open that way, saying I had to start it under "start repair", well it said start repair could not fix the problem, and when I clicked "details", it said a corrupt patch was installed on the previous night, and the only recourse I had was to do system recovery. I called tech support, and they also told me it was my only option.
So, after doing system recovery, back to the original way it came from the factory...it is testing my sanity.
I cannot seem to get programs that start when my computer does, to STOP from starting. I have done all the things needed to stop these programs from starting, but nothing I do seems to work.
I have windows vista, and I have went to "Stop a program from running automatically when Windows starts", which then it says to go to windows defender, and software explorer, and disable all of the programs I did not want starting at start up, but they all still start???? I seriously feel like I am in the twilight zone...any suggestions would be appreciated.

also, when I go to task manager, and click on processes, there are at least 20 to 25 of this listed: SVCHOST.EXE....is that normal?
you can most likely tell I am borderline computer literate.

[kurty[B]]

I'm not too familiar with Vista, but can you go to Start and the Run and type in msconfig? Then from there select the programs that are permitted to start up on boot-up?

Having multiple svchost.exe processes is normal, although more than 10 to me seems excessive, but again I am not sure if that is a normal thing for Vista or not.

[Nimetic]

The simple list is under Start-->Settings-->Administrative Tools-->Services

Might not be the same on Vista, I'm not entirely sure. There's also something you can download called "autoruns". However this is more complex.

However.... this is probably not the answer to your problem. There are actually lots of programs that need to run as part of normal windows operation. And there are others that run, just in case you might use that aspect of windows later.

I'd not suggest disabling programs unless you know what you are doing.

Probably the best solution really, is to have regular backups (so that you can undo any changes). Do you have a backup plan?

[docbungle]

Originally Posted by lktknow

I recently had to do system recovery on my computer because, I have my windows updates from Microsoft installed automatically at 3am. I got up one morning last week and I got the dreaded blue screen, and it finally went to the black screen asking me if I wanted to "start windows normally", or "start windows under start repair" (recommended) ... I picked "normally", and it refused to open that way, saying I had to start it under "start repair", well it said start repair could not fix the problem, and when I clicked "details", it said a corrupt patch was installed on the previous night, and the only recourse I had was to do system recovery. I called tech support, and they also told me it was my only option.
So, after doing system recovery, back to the original way it came from the factory...it is testing my sanity.
I cannot seem to get programs that start when my computer does, to STOP from starting. I have done all the things needed to stop these programs from starting, but nothing I do seems to work.
I have windows vista, and I have went to "Stop a program from running automatically when Windows starts", which then it says to go to windows defender, and software explorer, and disable all of the programs I did not want starting at start up, but they all still start???? I seriously feel like I am in the twilight zone...any suggestions would be appreciated.

Windows Defender is more trouble than help, in my opinion. Disabling it entirely and installing a Firewall/Virus Protector such as Zone Alarm will save you a lot of headache.

also, when I go to task manager, and click on processes, there are at least 20 to 25 of this listed: SVCHOST.EXE....is that normal?
you can most likely tell I am borderline computer literate.

Forget the Vista tools. Just use msconfig. Don't mess with any SVCHOST.EXE settings. If the "User Name" is listed as "System" or "Network" then you more than likely don't want to mess with it.

The easiest solution is to go into msconfig and choose "Selective Startup." Disable all startup programs for software that you've personally installed that is not required at startup (i.e. Nero, etc...).

You might also want to change your "Windows Update" settings. Change it from "Download and install automatically" to "Notify Me" when updates are availabe.

[lktknow]

thank you so much, this has been a big help. Could you explain briefly why updates are so important, thanks again

[allaboutmusic]

Microsoft Updates have messed up my computers more times than I can count. I switched off automatic updates completely and only did updates manually when I had checked online that they were OK. I have an XP laptop and a work Vista laptop, and currently avoid them whenever possible in favour of my iMac.

[biznatch]

My updates haven't put me in too much trouble, I choose to set them to download automatically but let me choose which ones and when I wanna install them. Convenient and safe.