Running too many startup programs may slow computer
By JOHN TORRO
Published August 1, 2005
Q. My Microsoft Works with Word has been slow (as has been the whole computer), and I ran the normal.dot search you mentioned (July 18). I got 135 files, including five virus scans from Symantec, one Program file/Office, one migapp/Service Pack, one migapp/System32, and 128 Works/1033/wizard with a .wwt extension all created the same day in 2002.Should I delete them all?
A. Deleting the normal.dot file is a troubleshooting measure for trying to correct problems in Word. I doubt it would have anything to do with a slow computer. You refer to files with a .wwt extension, while my reference was for files named exactly normal.dot. It's best you leave them alone. If your computer is running slow, the first thing to check is which programs are running at startup. Chances are you have many that are not needed. We've published many columns about this that you can find in the Times' online archives. Start with running MSCONFIG and check the Startup tab. Investigate each program and eliminate by unchecking ones that may be unnecessary. The Microsoft AntiSpyware beta, which I recommend, contains a listing of startup programs and their purpose under Tools, Advanced Tools, System Explorers where you also can disable unnecessary programs. You can find the download for Microsoft's AntiSpyware beta at www.microsoft.com/downloads
In-place upgrade will help replace deleted programsQ. Somewhere I found I could delete program names that show up in the Start menu (Windows XP), along with recently viewed documents. Thinking I was saving memory, I deleted all programs, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Spider Solitaire, etc. I've spent two days trying to recover and make it like it was before. I cannot find the tool I used.
A. I'm not sure which tool you're referring to. I searched for a "Shoot yourself in the foot" tool, but came up with no answers. If all you did was delete the menu shortcuts to these programs, then all you need to do is create them again by right-clicking on the Programs menu, selecting Create Shortcut and then browsing to the appropriate program. On the other hand, if you deleted the programs themselves, you may be looking at a reinstall of Windows XP along with any programs you have added yourself. This is also known as an in-place upgrade. The reinstall will keep your existing data, although you would then need to reinstall any service packs that had been applied. To perform the in-place upgrade, boot from your Windows XP CD and choose Install Windows XP. Then on the setup page select Upgrade (recommended) in the Installation type box. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP.
Resolution settings available with Windows Me video adapter driverQ. I purchased a Compaq computer running Windows XP Home with Service Pack 2. I partitioned the hard drive to prepare for a second operating system. Upon installing an image of my old Windows Me (C) drive in this new partition and then booting it, the video came up as VGA 16-bit color at 640x480 resolution. There was no option to change this to anything higher in Settings. I've also checked in System/Device manager/Properties, and the only option offered said not available. My need for a second OS is because several of my old programs will not function with XP and one, SnapShot Express (by Sierra), which is no longer available, has more features and options than all the other popularly priced applications combined (in my opinion). Can you steer me in the right direction?
A. It sounds as if the Windows Me driver for your video adapter is not installed. Try downloading the appropriate version and installing it. You should then get the various resolution setting options back.