Lots of unrecognised processes running..

KEM

My laptop and desktop both seem to be running slower and slower.

If I press Ctrl+Alt+Del both computers bring up a large list of processes running. I'm sure that I don't need most of them but don't want to stop them incase I stop something important.

Is there a good free bit of software that can tell me what each of the entries is needed for and recommend if it is necessary or not and remove it if appropriate?

A quick look suggests that WinPatrol might be good - can anyone recommend it?

I am running Windows XP and currently use AVG 7.5 (have resisted upgrading to AVG 8 as people say it makes the computer run even more slowly). I also use Spybot now and again, although I think the Teatimer resident bit is running constantly and I'm not sure if I want it to? I run MBAM now and again.

I'm contemplating switching AntiVirus but not sure which to try first and would rather try to clean out some of the useless processes that are running.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Kingsd316

Download both Spybot S&D and Malwarebytes, (both free) run scans using both, and that will tell you if anything nasty is on you PC/Laptop

Just seen you have Spybot already

KEM

Have run both Spybot and Malwarebytes and all is clear.

I feel that there are probably loads of unneeded processes running and want the easiest possible way of identifying them and stopping them if appropriate.

devstar

Hi, you can try 'Startup Inspector for Windows' which will list all the programs that start up every time you turn on your computer. It has a consult button which will advise you on whether they are needed or not and it lets you turn them off as well. An alternative is 'Advanced WindowsCare V2 Personal' which hasa similar function, but also scans for redistry errors, certain vulnerabilites amongst other useful clean up functions. Both are free programs. Hope that helps.

Devstar