uninstalling programmes

[dingaling]

Hi, my computer is running very slow so I set about uninstalling stuff, and I came across 'microsoft office convertible trial' - 244.00MB. I have never used this and haven't a clue what it does but it sounds BIG. is there any way to tell which programmes you can unstall and which you should leave alone please. (A bit scared to do anything without asking AB first!) TIA

[rojash]

It's a trial version of Microsoft Office. The idea is that you can use it for 30 days, and then it ceases to work unless you purchase a licence. If you've never used it, you clear have no need of it, and can uninstall it.

[VHG]

Uninstalling programas will not speed up your computer IF THEY ARE NOT RUHNING.

The only programs that slow your computer down are those that are actually running (in memory). If they are not in memory ignore them.

What you actually need to do is find out which programs start up when your computer starts and see if you can stop any of them starting in the first place.

Also, unistalling programs that you dont recognise could stop your computer working as it may be a program used by one of the components in your PC, so be careful what you uninstall.

[dingaling]

Thanks to you both for that information. VHG how do I find out which programs start up and how do I stop them doing so please?

[tamborine]

check your internet settings first.

Run the mouse over the internet icon (ie BT Broadband) and left klik on icon to check properties. Or go to Start/Setting/Network Connections - to check settings. Mine has 'Repair' on my settings - I need to 'repair' the setting after some new downloads.

[Mobius1]

Tamborine - What has repairing the network connection or internet program got to do with speeding up your computer? The QA said their computer was slow, not that their internet access was slow.

dingaling - To find out which programs are starting up with your PC click Start > Run and type msconfig.exe > Click run or ok.

This will bring up the System Configuration window. Click on the "Startup" tab, and there you will see a list of all programs which are set to start when your operating system loads up. They often have a description next to them, telling you what they are or do. You can untick the checkboxes next to programs that you don't need to be running all the time. The more programs you can disable from this list, the better.

Also, look at the "Services" tab and then click the checkbox to "Hide all Microsoft Services". Then you will be left with a list of services (which also run in the background) that you can choose if you want to disable. Read them, and only disable them if you're confident you don't need them to load on startup. They can be re-enabled again the same way if you change your mind.

When you have finished, Msconfig will ask you if you want to save changes. When you next boot your computer, you will get a message saying it has loaded in selective startup mode (meaning you've chosen the programs to load up). If you're happy, you can tell Msconfig to save the changes and not show you that message in future. Hopefully this will speed your computers boot time and help your system feel faster to use.

[Mobius1]

As a side note, if you are unsure of what to disable or leave alone, you could try Malwarebytes "StartupLite" available for free here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/startuplite.php

It basically does what I've just described for you, tells you what it will disable and give you the ability to enable it again afterwards if you change your mind.

[dingaling]

Thank you very much Mobius1 for that very comprehensive and helpful reply, I shall do that asap. Thank you also Tamborine for trying to help also.

[Mobius1]

You're welcome. Let us know how it goes, or if you need anything else answering!