I Know this is a stupid question but

[Electric Gnome]

I know this is a stupid question but I keep reading in the glossies how to speed up windows xp startup by clicking start, all programs and deleting those programs you do not want to start with windows. Great idea but how do I get them back to the original position if I change my mind?
I dont mean the send to desktop or create shortcut option, I would want to get them back so they appear on the all programs list after I click, start then all programs.
Must be obvious but it escapes me at the moment.

[hobey19]

i don't think that is what you are looking for. to disable things starting up on your computer

go to start -> run

type msconfig

the last tab in msconfig is startup. disable the things you don't want starting up. should you change your mind, go back in and re-check them

craig

[EzyStvy]

You kind of lost me.

" clicking start, all programs and deleting those programs"

I think you mean Start->Run and type MSCONFIG->go to the startup tab and "UN"check the programs you don't want to start at bootup.

Later you can go back and place a check mark if needed.

** Hobey types faster than me

[Electric Gnome]

Yes I know what you are saying, I have always thought that to speed boot up you would run msconfig etc etc, however in this months uk edition of windows xp mag and a couple of others this month, they all mention msconfig but advise you to apply it after deleting the afore mentioned items.
ie click start, click all prog's then delete any progs that are not often used.
However regardless of which is the best way to achieve a quicker start up, I would respectfully refer those with knowledge greater than mine to the original question. If I delete from all prog menu how do I restore one of the little devils later if I change my mind. Please don't suggest I don't delete them in the first place, This is a question posed from curiosity rather than need. Why do they give advice in mags with large distribution numbers withouy giving you the remedy if you hit the wrong button!
Finally I would like to be honest and admit to having a beer or two whilst puting this post together, so if I sound a little annoying please take pitty on me as a keen learner who is not that clever with things electronic.

[hobey19]

i see absolutely no reason why that would speed anything up. what you are trying to limit is what is starting, not what is listed in the start menu

craig

[Electric Gnome]

Having read the replies again am I to understand that deleting items from the all programs list has no effect on those programs windows loads on startup?
If so problem solved I will just leave them there.

[CaptTuna]

You are not deleting the program. You are just "deleting " the option of the program to start automatically when Windows starts up.

[EzyStvy]

The mag was probably talking about uninstalling programs that you don't use and not the shortcuts to the programs.

[DJMG]

The only programs that you can delete that change what is loaded at startup are the ones in - all programs >startup.
This is the only area affected by your question. to reinstall them to the statup folder simply do not empty your recycle bin until sure you don't want them back. Restore from recycle bin as needed.

This is only the shortcut you are deleting but it will keep the entire program from starting at bootup.

Now - the more efficient way is to use the Msconfig option as stated above !

[[Mystic]]

If you want to speed up XP, goto: Control Panel->System->Performance.

Select performance option... this is the best tweak in XP.

Programs loading up is usally related to how much memory you have installed in your system.

[pillainp]

If you are talking about shortcuts to programs in the All Programs>Startup (these programs will start when Windows does, all you have to do to prevent them from running at startup is to right-click them, select Properties and set the Hidden attribute.

That way, they will not run at startup, and if at any time you want to re-enable them, all you have to do is to unhide them again.

[pillainp]

If you are talking about shortcuts in the All Programs>Startup folder (these programs will start when Windows does), all you have to do to prevent them from running at startup is to right-click them, select Properties and set the Hidden attribute.

That way, they will not run at startup, and if at any time you want to re-enable them, all you have to do is to unhide them again.

[Electric Gnome]

Thank you to all with your advice, I have finally got to grips with this startup thing.

[kev7555]

All of the pre-mentioned suggestions will help, but the best way to speed up your computer is to go to the blackviper website and read his piece on turning off un-necessary services in XP.

This is done by clicking start, run and then typing services.msc.

Read his list first, however.

-Kev