I recently installed an HP printer and with it came something called HP ToolboxFX. It has an icon in the system tray, I suppose it starts when the computer is booted. What does this software do? Does it need to start at boot? What are the consequences of removing it from startup and manually starting it when needed? Reason I ask is that my 6-year-old PC takes a lot longer to boot since I installed the HP software. Maybe HP ToolboxFX is slowing things down? Steve

From what I read, it's a utility that helps configure the printer etc. I would say you can disable it and start it manually when you need to print. Click Start / Run and type msconfig. When the box opens up, look at the startup tab and uncheck any programs you don't want to start at bootup.

Look HERE for what the ToolboxFX does. If you don't care for any of its function, uninstall it from Add/Remove Program or from the Start Menu HP utilities. i_Xp/VistaUser

Thanks for the advice, especially the link to the HP web site with explanatory material. I have disabled the software so I can see how my computer boots without it. Good place for help, thanks all. Steve Steve

HP printers install a number of items that do not need to run at Startup. You can disable them in msconfig by unchecking them. Yes they will still work when you decide you need them. One in particular that can cause slowdowns is System Diagnostics. It's almost a duplicate of XP System information and I have seen it cause problems when used. You really do not even have to have the Printer at start up, as it will activate when you select "PRINT" from most any location. Any that you use frequently can be activated by placing a Shortcut to them on your Desktop or Start Menu. There is nothing to learn from someone who already agrees with you.

I found HP ToobboxFX in the list at MSCONFIG ==> Startup and unchecked it. Where do I find System Diagnostics so I can disable it? It does not appear to be in the list at MSCONFIG ==> Startup. If it is, I do not recognize it. Steve