programs running in the background

[Pythagorean]

Lately I think my computer has been running sluggish. I recently ran spybot search and destroy to hopefully locate and remove some junk.

When I turn on the computer the task manager says these programs are running:
explorer
Eventmgr
Ymsgr_tray
Buzof (I thought I needed this, its to close pop-up windows, but I no longer need it)
Systray
Sm56hlpr

when connected to the internet (via netzero)
programs running:
Zcast (I assume netzero)
all the programs above oplus
Rnaapp
Chkras

Are any of these extraneous? could they be bogging down other programs?

How can I check just how much active memory each of these programs are using up?

Thanks

[avx]

How much RAM do you have?

You could also go to Start>> Run>> MSconfig and check the startup tab, it should list the programs that load at startup, and next, under "command" you can determine which programs they are related too, anything that doesnt look like you need to startup with, like maybe msmsgs, or for you that ymmsgs, thats yahoo msnger I believe...just uncheck those.

You can try a little search and destroy of your own, kind of uncheck suspicious startups, and restat, see if it helps...

Good luck

[morriswindgate]

I do not see anything bad on you start-up list.
explorer = WIndows Desktop
Eventmgr=If you use the front panel button on your Microtek scanner, then you will need to leave EVENTMGR running. Otherwise, if you do not have a front panel button, or have one but do not use it, you can disable EVENTMGR with Startup Manager.

Ymsgr_tray = Yahoo Messenger, disable the Auto Start in the msconfig Start up Tab.


Zcast & Chkras = Netzero

Rnapp = Windows Dial-Up Networking application. RNAAPP only appears in your Task List if your PC tries or tried to dial out at some stage, or if it is waiting for an inbound connection using Dial-Up Networking.

Recommendation :
Essential. Leave untouched. That said, if you are in the middle of troubleshooting Dial-Up networking problems, then do an "End Task" on it if you are not connected via Dial-Up Networking, and you may find that some of your problems disappear.

Sm56hlpr = Diamond Video Card

[Pythagorean]

Humm, I guess that's good, but I still think something is bogging things down.

Thank you for the info.

[Pythagorean]

Originally posted by avx How much RAM do you have?

I'd have to reboot to find out, I just dont remember. I did add some RAM to an older computer, so I know its pretty easy to do. I am fairly certian I have available slots. I have the "VIA KT133 chipset based MSI K7T Pro" Socket A mainboard...anyone want to sell me some RAM cheap?

[mike breck]

You probably need around 256MB of Ram for XP to run sweet - but more is nice.

I would also do a full, updated virus scan and run The Cleaner for detecting Trojans

http://www.moosoft.com/

As well as looking at background programs (TSRs), you should also check out which XP services are enabled. A lot of these can be pruned to increase perfomance e.g. Indexing Service.

Go here to see what can be disabled:

http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

Also, make sure you don't have this Hot Fix installed

http://www.updatexp.com/q811493.html

[Pythagorean]

I am actually running Windows 98, I'm sorry! I posted this in the wrong section. Does this affect your answers?

[avx]

Not really...Just do an updated virus scan, and maybe buy some more RAM, and that should get things going nice