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REMOVING UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS FRON XP PRO

C

ChiefOperator

Hello Everyone-

As I put together a digital cart machine, I'm cleaning up the XP Pro operating system by removing unnecessary programs, reconfiguring the start menu, etc. It looks as if the "Add/Remove Programs" will not remove everything.

I've heard that there is a software program available to "clean up" the OS. Does anyone know whether such a product actually exists?

Thanks!
 
There are commercial programs which will "clean up" your computer but it largely depends on your knowledge of what you want to delete.

In addition, the clean-up can mean services, start-up processes or actual application programs. The clean-up of each depends on which of these each element is.

For services and start-up processes go to START | RUN | <enter msconfig in box and hit enter. Then, from the pop-up window select either services or startup and check/uncheck each item as desired. Service items will be marked if they are 'critical' and you should leave those alone. Others can be unchecked and will be executed if something later on demands them be loaded. Startup items can always be unchecked and will load upon demand but be aware you probably want to leave items such as your virus scanner, firewall and any always-used apps to remain loaded at startup (checked).

Application programs (WORD, EXCEL etc.) are removed from the system via the control panel "add/remove programs icon). Some programs may not be found using this method, particularly older DOS versions which don't use the Registry. For those just go to C:\Program Files, find the appropriate directory housing the program and delete it. Note: deleting the icon shortcut does not delete the actual program behind it. Also note: you may have to have administrator rights to do the above.

Always perform a restore checkpoint prior to doing any major work such as this so you can return to a previous good image if you accidentally delete an undesired element.
 
While running DOS-based automation under Windows 98 I had experience with program called 98Lite, which made many of the programs within the operating system available in the "Add/Remove Programs" menu. They make a product that will perform much the same function for Windows 2000 and XP. I don't have any hands-on experience with this version but judging by the performance of their other software I would think it would work very, very well.

http://www.litepc.com/
 
Thank you both for the replies....

My biggest problem is not knowing whether a particular file should be removed once it's located, especially ones that I don't recognize.

Will this xplite program help identify and make those decisions, such as stating that the file is critical and should not be removed?
 
I think you can download the demo of XPLite to see how it will work, but I believe it doesn't allow removal of anything much until you purchase it. I'm actually going to purchase it as for $40 it not terribly expensive.

If it works like 98Lite, it groups files together by program/process and the new entries under "Add/Remove" will give you clear wording and nothing cryptic. I know under 98Lite I was able to lean out Win98 and it became really snappy, even on an older machine.

The thing that gets me is why doesn't M$ just add these options?
 
ChiefOperator said:
Hello Everyone-

As I put together a digital cart machine, I'm cleaning up the XP Pro operating system by removing unnecessary programs, reconfiguring the start menu, etc. It looks as if the "Add/Remove Programs" will not remove everything.

I've heard that there is a software program available to "clean up" the OS. Does anyone know whether such a product actually exists?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Chief, besides being a worn out radio guy, I've been in IT for over 20 years. My best suggestion is if you don't know what you're doing, don't much with what's there. There are minimalist shells you can get, but I would strongly recommend you find someone who knows what they're doing- it'll save you tons of pain.

By the way, with disk space so cheap, why worry anyway?
 
Get yourself a copy of "TinyXP".

All the hard work has been done for you. The dross has been removed and it has been rehashed to make it a very stable platform without all the extra junk.
 
Studio1 said:
Get yourself a copy of "TinyXP".

All the hard work has been done for you. The dross has been removed and it has been rehashed to make it a very stable platform without all the extra junk.
Click to expand...

While you're right that the work has been done for you, no corporate environment is going to run something that's pretty much illegal (at least from the articles I've googled). At least with XPLite you can undo the changes and return to a "factory standard" configuration if you should run yourself into trouble.
 
XPress Train

How about just redoing the XP install using the "minimal install" option?

Or, going to "Add/Remove Programs", clicking on "Add/Remove Windows Components" and removing accessories or services that you don't need?

Both of these options allow you to tailor XP to you particular needs without endangering the O/S. You can also turn off System Restore, and shut off unnecessary services to improve speed. Here's a link to an article on services:

http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/40722/unneeded-services-in-windows-xp.html

If the issue is access to particular functions, you can use the group policy editor.

Go to Start--run, type gpedit.msc, hit OK.

Under User Configuration, go to Administrative Templates--Desktop. You'll see a number of optional services that you can restrict, and users who don't have administrative rights won't be able to turn them back on.
 
The definite answer to the OP's question

http://www.nliteos.com/

Uses your LEGITIMATE copy of XP, has service pack integration, driver integration and component/service removal. And it's free.

I've built a dozen automation computers with nlite-ed XP install disks and its truly amazing how much more agile they are. From BIOS to desktop in 18 seconds - if you do it right.
 
It appears to be a good solution if you're installing fresh, but if you're working with a machine that already has your automation software installed and the key is already installed, a solution like XPLite will let you change the current installation without having to deal with your automation's tech support folks to get a replacement key and have to explain why you need it - I know some vendors charge for keys needed due to configuration changes.

Just a little food for thought.
 
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