I've seen several threads about optimizing Windows XP here and elsewhere. I just downloaded the latest version of FSAutostart but am not sure if I have the guts to try and run it. My PC loads 43 processes under Windows XP including firewalls, Adaware, cable modem stuff, etc. I am anxious about closing down an app I need.Is there an easy way round this other than what looks like hours of more PC study and "engineering"? Can I not just close down 1 or 2 known resource hogs for some good effect instead ?Appreciate any posts, advice, thanks !JS

Here is what I shutdown (services):ALG=Stop & RestartAppMgmt=Stop & Restartavast! Antivirus=Stop & RestartaswUpdSv=Stop & RestartEventSystem=Stop & RestartCryptSvc=Stop & RestartGEARSecurity=Stop & Restarthelpsvc=Stop & RestartIISADMIN=Stop & RestartSharedAccess=Stop & RestartMDM=Stop & RestartNla=Stop & RestartNVSvc=Stop & RestartSpooler=Stop & RestartShellHWDetection=Stop & RestartSENS=Stop & Restartsrservice=Stop & RestartSchedule=Stop & RestartLmHosts=Stop & RestartTapiSrv=Stop & RestartThemes=Stop & RestartWebClient=Stop & RestartW32Time=Stop & RestartWZCSVC=Stop & RestartAnd here are the programs (if they are running):C:Program FilesAvant BrowseraHTTP.exeC:Program FilesAlwil SoftwareAvast4ashDisp.exeC:Program FilesBroadJumpClient FoundationCFD.exeC:Program FilesMicrosoft Visual Studio .NET 2003Common7IDEdevenv.exeC:WINDOWSSystem32spoolDRIVERSW32X863E_S4I2C1.EXEC:WINDOWSExplorer.EXEC:Program FilesAvant Browseriexplore.exeC:Program FilesMozillaFirebirdMozillaFirebirdMozillaFirebird.exeC:WINDOWSsystem32ntvdm.exeC:PROGRA~1MICROS~4OFFICE11OUTLOOK.EXEC:WINDOWSSystem32pctspk.exeC:WINDOWSSM1BG.EXEC:Program FilesTrilliantrillian.exeC:Program FilesWindows Media Playerwmplayer.exeYour mileage may vary.

Thanks, Ken:But what do you mean about programs "if they are running." ? Are these programs you shut down (if they are running)?Thanks again.JS

If a program is not running (for example Outlook) when I start FSAutoStart, then it doesn't have to kill it and it won't restart it either. I don't run Outlook all the time, but I put it in the list to be shutdown if it is running when I start FSAutoStart.

Thanks again.JS