system performance issues

I am using Windows XP OS with service pack 2. I have 512 mb of ram. I notice that my system seems quite slow of late. On checking my system processes I note that I have over 50 processes running and that the first 5 are using up about 20% of my ram. Is there anything I could do to reduce these processes, i.e. is there a maximum number that should be running at any one time? How do I do this and are there any of the first 5 that I should get rid of? I have included a screen capture of the task manager

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Brian :confused:

Here is a good list of Services that you can use to decide which to disable:

XP Services Guide

Brian Sheridan--The general subject of computer slow down has been covered in several posts on VirtualDr in the past. Among the more common reasons are
1) too many unnecessary programs automatically starting at boot. WinXP actually needs very few non-MS programs to start at boot--only things like anti-virus, firewall, perhaps a spyware detector, perhaps some networking software, etc. Certainly less than 10 total. Other programs can always be started when needed. Many of the processes shown in your screenshot are in that category. I presume you are aware of System Configuration Utility (msconfig). If not, post back.
And this site will help you make a choice
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
2) clean out your Temporary Internet Files (and probably Temp Files).
3) run Error Checking (formerly ScanDisk) and Defragmenter. Again, if you need help, post back.
There is a chance of Spyware infection, but try the other suggestions first unless you want to go through the following procedure
http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...d.php?t=167915
It cannot hurt. Just takes some time.

Thank you SuperSparks and Welshjim for your prompt replies.

I am reluctant to get involved with anything to do with changes to Services or editing the registry as I fear creating bigger problems than I already have. I refer to the following caveat in the XP Services guide “Changing services settings can be just as dangerous as editing the registry”.

In regards to your valid comment Welshjim on the general subject of computer slow down, I did many searches on various forums prior to posting my thread, but I suspect I didn’t use the proper terminology. I didn’t find anything close to what I was looking for. I appreciate your comment and understand where you are coming from. I also didn’t post my original query in the right forum, so this was no doubt part of my problem.

That said I would appreciate some info on the System Configuration utility and how to use it. Will it allow me to get rid of the processes which I do not need?

I have cleaned out temporary Internet files and Temp files as well as having run Error Checking and Defrag a day ago. I also have used Spybot. I note that there are some ads on VirtualDr that offer free scans and repair services for Registry errors and I am wondering if these are safe to use.

Once again thanks for your help,

Brian

Start, run[type in]msconfig and hit enter.
Now select the startup tab.

If you do not know what all those criptic words mean
then read the Warning at the bottom of the page then plug in what you have found in msconfig in the search box.
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Scroll down and read the warning.

Then go back to the top and enter the crazy words you find in msconfig.

How to use MSCONFIG
http://www.sb-cg.com/news.asp?strPageRequest=msconfig

Brian Sheriday--About half way through the reference
http://www.sb-cg.com/news.asp?strPageRequest=msconfig
is a statement
"The only startup items you absolutely need are:

* ScanRegistry
* TaskMonitor
* SystemTray
* LoadPowerProfile"

That statement is not correct for WinXP (it is for Windows versions such as Win98), and the correct information for XP is given a little further down. I just mention this so you will not be confused.

Thanks to all of you for your help. I was able to remove the startup items using msconfig as per the instructions in the references you sent me. I was able to remove over 10 of them and it certainly appears to have improved the performance of my system.

Your help is greatly appreciated and best regards for a healthy and Happy 2007.

Brian :)

Brian Sheridan-- You are most welcome. Glad to hear the good news.