HELP DESK
I have 40 processes showing up in Task Manager when I boot up, which is probably the reason my PC takes 12 to 15 minutes to become functional. I know Norton and SpySweeper and their live updates use a lot of this time, but there are a few things I know I do not want or use. I end a lot of these processes after booting, but they always reappear, even though they are not under the start up tab in msconfig. How do I stop them from starting? And why do I have the following process(es) listed multiple times?
- svchost.exe user = system (four)
- svchost.exe user = Local Service (one)
- svchost.exe user = Network Service (two)
PETER
Chiang Mai Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: Well, actually, there is nothing unusual about 40 processes, or multiple instances of svchost either. I can't tell from here if everything is hunky-dory on your computer, but the processes sound okay. However, 12 to 15 minutes for a full boot of a Windows computer is ridiculous and you have a problem there.
Svchost is necessary for your Internet/network connections, and will run multiple times for various tasks. As I write this, I have seven separate svchost processes. Between Windows and apps like web browsers and word processors, 40 processes is not at all unusual. Any security program by Norton will ensure many more processes, inefficient use of memory and a slower computer.
Now, it is good that you have gone into msconfig to look at your startup programs. Turning off the unneeded ones there will help optimise your machine. There seem to be other issues, however. It almost sounds like you have some sort of intensive disk-checking before you boot - as if your machine has crashed without being powered down from the Start button. You might want to have a closer look at all your startup processes, including those called by Registry keys. The utility Starter, found at codestuff.tripod.com, will show more than msconfig, and might help you get a handle on what is happening. If you have any process you're not sure about, let us know and we will try to track down the answer. In general, if you have a question about a process, just type the name into Google or other search engine, and you should be able to see good advice and background.
Can't connect I am having a great deal of difficulty connecting to the Internet for email. Outlook Express says it can't find the host (pop.iprimus.com.au - error # 0x800CCC0D); and Internet Explorer says it is unable to display the web page. However, just to make things more difficult, this is an intermittent problem. If I disconnect or restart the computer, the problem eventually resolves itself if I keep at it long enough.
Any thoughts of how I can resolve this problem? Be gentle, I'm no computer whiz, I just know enough to do what I want.
PETER GARMSTON
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: From your description, I would suspect iPrimus here. Recently, a friend was having similar trouble, and she discovered that her ISP had decided to switch some mail procedures, and some of her Outlook POP and SMTP information was out of date. So make sure you have the latest, correct iPrimus email information in Outlook Express.
In Outlook Express, click on Tools, Accounts and open the Mail tab. Go to the problem account. Ensure that Incoming and Outgoing mail entries are correct. You will probably have to contact iPrimus to check these settings.
If OE is totally, exactly right, then the next step is to check your Internet connections.
If you can connect to, say, Bangkokpost.com, but not to iPrimus.com, then the problem is iPrimus. If you cannot connect to any site, then this is why you cannot connect to iPrimus email.
You have mail Do you know a way to set up an email alert system on my computer?
What I need is a window to appear on top of all other windows, alerting me that I have received a new email, and possibly with a sound as well.
I am using Gmail and Windows Vista Home Premium.
DAVID
Hat Yai
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: I suggest you try the Gmail notifier. It pops up from the system tray and makes whatever noise you ask it to. You can find it at tinyurl.com/2egw2q.
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