Manage System Processes (Windows XP Pro)

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Was wondering if there is anyway to manually manage/manipulate/change WinXP’s system processes and resources. Specifically, when I have something printing, it slows everything else down that’s running. Also, I’m not sure that all of the processes that are running need to be running.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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Start | Run, type MSCONFIG and hit Enter. Click Startup tab. Uncheck all unwanted programs. You can also disable unwanted services clicking Services tab.

Better solution: if you’re printing many huge documents or color images, upgrade your PRINTER memory.

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Uncheck all unwanted programs. You can also disable unwanted services clicking Services tab.

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[/indent]is all well and good, but the original post stated…[indent]

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I’m not sure that all of the processes that are running need to be running.

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[/indent]Dave, between these two posts you now have the tools (such as MSCONFIG) and the information you should need to get started. If you run into any problems or can’t figure out what a specific program or service does, pop on back and post it here.

Most desktop printers don’t have the capacity for expanding the memory installed. This is typically found on more expensive laser printers (such as HP) that are used in corporate environments. It’s very likely that you have more printer memory than you will ever need. However, one thing you may want to check is the length of the cable, if it’s a parallel style – the longer the cable, the more data loss you will experience (which is why you won’t find them over a certain length in the store). If it’s connected via the USB port, it should be a non-issue.

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This may be a useful free utility PRCVIEW .
Caution remains when killing a process so use with caution.

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You can certainly tweak certain aspects of the OS. I wouldn’t twiddle with priority settings on processes unless you fully understand what can happen as a result of the change. XP, like all NT based OSs, is very good at resource management.

That said, you can bop on over to BlkViper’s website, where he’s taken the time to document the services that run on 2000 and XP, and shut some of those down. There’s also the supertweak guide that he composed, which is a great place to start.

The printing issue could be due to a variety of sources – such as a poor driver, the BIOS port settings, all the way up to the amount of RAM you have installed on your PC. Your best bet there is to check the manufacturer’s website and see if it’s a known issue, or if they can assist in some other way. After all, you are paying for those ink cartridges and buying your printer over and over….

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