Why Windows Isn't Easy

My computer goes off on its own from time to time. I think it might be Outlook. But it could be Zinio Reader. Or it could be Plaxo. I've suspected virtually every add-on or program I use regularly. But I can't tell and don't know how to tell and don't even really know why the heck I should have to tell what's causing problems, much less having to fix the problems myself. I launched into an attempt to figure out after restarting my computer once again to get things going. And here's a discussion I found that just makes me tired. I actually ran this program called MSCONFIG and it has much information about what's running on my computer, but doesn't tell me anything. So what do I turn off without hurting the computer in order to make it work better. If anybody can help, please do!

Comments

[Andy]

Here is a relatively good site that talks about how to use the MSConfig tool to isolate programs that start automatically.

[Andy]

Sorry, Typepad linked my name to the URL. Here is the URL:

http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/

[Nick Lewis]

I know the issue you speak of, and it I've found that is not unlike battling an insurgency. The problems always know how to blend in. On more than one occassion, my attempts to quell the insurgents have actually ended up being counter productive. On more than one occassion I've irreversabily damaged my install disabling, or destroying innocent processes, and programs.

Sometimes, you need to know when you should pull out; know when its time to cut your loses, and simply reinstall windows (that always fixes the problem... unless you've neglected your RAM for some strange reason).

I also suspected outlook at one point. I changed to thunderbird. The end result is that I am much better organized, and my email runs smoother. However, the attacks against performance still persist.

Easy solutions are hard to come by, but here's a few that have worked for me in the past:

-Check your hard disk's fragmentation levels. A fragmented paging file would most certainly account for your problems

-Uninstall norton utilities. If your computer's specs are a few years behind, that program might render your machine nearly unusable.

-When was the last time you dusted the inside of your computer?

Beyond those three fixes, all the other attempts ended up costing me enormous amounts of time and sanity. Looking back, I can tell you that it costs less time, and energy to simply backup your files, and reinstall windows.

I now do this every 9 months or so. Save yourself. Take the clear path. Besides, there is enormous value in not having to learn how to work with tools such as msconfig. When you have to turn to such means, frankly, life isn't worth living.