When i go to start and pull up all programs i have like 33 programs that are running above the accessories folder. What programs need to be there and how do i get rid of the others. my computer is running super slow and i need to figure out how to clear up some room on vista since it takes a lot to run it anyways. Thanks!!
Those programs are not running. There are shortcuts to programs. Your problem of slowness does not come from this menu. Download and install Ccleaner from here
http://www.ccleaner.com/Run this program. It will delete garbage files from your computer.
When done go download and install Defraggler to defrag your hard drive.
http://www.piriform.com/defragglerAfter you have cleaned up garbage files and defragged your hard drive your computer should run faster.
EDIT You should also turn off System Restore to free up space. You should do this before defrag the HD. Remember to turn it back on after defrag.
Reinstalling and reformatting is the best way to start fresh
with your system and eliminate any ornery programs,
spyware or viruses that might cause a slowdown or that
compromise your system's security. However, before taking
such time-consuming step (it can take a day to do!), you
might want to try several free scanner tools to help clean up
your PC. We recommend you try each one as they all
address different issues.
For more details, please refer to:
http://www.cyberwalker.com/article/727
http://www.joyfax.com/?ref=VIVIAN
'Ccleaner' has a utility which allows you disable Startup items individually. Open 'Ccleaner' and click 'Tools' on the left side.
Now click the 'Startup' button.
This displays a list of everything that starts with Windows.
Right-click an item and choose 'Disable'.Obviously you will need to identify what that item does before disabling it, since it might be something you need. The name in the 'Program' column often tells you what it is, but sometimes you will need to 'google' it to find out what that startup item is for. Google pages will often also tell you if it's necessary to leave that item enabled.
If you're not sure about a particular startup item and google offers no clues, don't disable it.
The OP was not referring to items that ran at startup. I read the main concern to be the items showing by clicking on Start>Programs. This lists all shortcuts to all installed programs. No reference to items starting at startup, which is most likely a major part of the problem.
"i have like 33 programs that are running" I beg to differ Terri but that does sound like he is concerned about programs that are running, not just showing up.
terri said "The OP was not referring to items that ran at startup. I read the main concern to be the items showing by clicking on Start>Programs. This lists all shortcuts to all installed programs. No reference to items starting at startup, which is most likely a major part of the problem". The OP was not referring to them perhaps, but I did so on purpose, precisely to point out to the OP that he/she needs to take control of them. I already know it's likely to be "a major part of the problem" as you put it. Didn't need you to confirm what I know already, thank you.