What's the best strategy for freeing computer resources to run FS9?I have been using AVG anti-virus software, and I want to completely shut it off when I'm using TTools, AFCAD, or running FS9. There is a small icon in the lower right corner of the XP desktop. A right click allows me to close the Control Center, but does it really disable the scanning software? Any other control of the software I'm unaware of.I know what a "clean boot" is, but is it advisable to always use a clean boot when using FS9?Thanks for any advice!!Rick

Hi,Use a little program called FSAutoStart from here. It was written by AVSIM's very own Ken Salter. You can shut down programs and processes and when you are done flying it will restart things back up again!Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

Hi Rick,It all depends on how much you really want to free up. It also is dependent on whether you understand what each of the processes actually does.If you are ready, there are several options you have.1) Ken Salter has a utility in the library called FSautostarthttp://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID...util&DLID=570402) You can learn about what all the processes do at a site called Black Viper. I'll assume you have XP SP2 installed already.A) XP SP2 processes definitionshttp://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm :( I have also set up 5 different computer hardware profiles per the advice at Black Viper. (CAUTION, not for the amateurs).http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/xpprofiles.htmC) Learn about some cool stuff. (READ Before you start disabling stuff)http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/service411.htmDO NOT USE msconfig to disable service, use services.mscI only have a lowly 1.2ghz Athlon running 512mb ram + GeForce FX5600, so by utilizing these things, it keeps my computer running lean, mean, and in the green. :-)YMMV (Your mileage may vary)You Can also use some tools to monitor and clean out your registry. I use the following.3) JV16 Power Toolshttp://www.macecraft.com/brief_pt/4) Powerstriphttp://www.entechtaiwan.net/util/ps.shtm5) Right click on your task bar and choose TaskManager, then choose processes, and choose end process for the ones you want to close.WARNING:These programs can do serious hurt to your system. If you are not already comfortable playing in the registry, etc, don't use these to learn, as you will screw something up. But hey, there is always a first time huh? :-)Regards,JoeI'll post a screenie of my lean processes tab.Ok this is a screen capture of the profile I use for Simming. I don't use autostart since I have a seperate profile already optimized for me. Keep in mind the fsscreen.exe would be closed, and is only open to take the screenshot. With this profile, I can use Internet, Multiplayer, teamspeak, Voice Recognition, and my choice of 3 different setups for FS9 in 3 different configurations. It works for me, but may be totally inappropriate for your system.Enjoy. This is my MSFS Profile, and the majority of the things running are required for my system since I am on a home wireless network. and if I fly and won't be online, I can widdle that down to only 5. :-).http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/105665.jpgJOIN The AVSIM RTW RACE FLIGHT TEAM****************Grab My FREEWARE Voice recognition Profiles here:[a href=http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID=fs2004misc&DLID=58334]Cessna 172 Voice Profile[/a][a href=http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID=fs2004misc&DLID=60740]FSD Avanti Voice Profile[/a].You will need the main FREEWARE Flight Assistant program to use it, get it here:[a href=http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID=genutils&DLID=39661]Flight Assistant 2.2[/a]

I second Jim's suggestion 110%. FSAutostart will free a substantial amount of PC system resources for you, but you need to do some work on deciding what applications and services to shut down which I think is either explained in the file or you can ask at Ken Salter's own forum for FSAutostart. FSAutostart will also defragment your RAM prior to booting up FS9 for you. It is an AMAZING utility and has made FS9 even more fluid and smooth for me.Try it and see. Those of us who use it successfully swear by it. JS