How to Clean Up Running Processes in Windows XP
Processes are services that constantly run in the background of Windows XP. Several processes are vital to keep Windows running, while others may be associated with running applications, or applications you may not even use that pop up upon start-up. Clearing some of the latter items from your processes helps Windows run more smoothly.
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Instructions
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (or Crtl + Alt + Delete) keys simultaneously. The Task Manager window will pop up on screen. It will likely show the first tab, "Applications." This shows the current applications running on your computer. Sometimes an application will not run properly, and will need to be shut down via Task Manager. In that case, select the troublesome application and select "End Task" at the bottom of the window.
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Click on the "Processes" tab. You will see a long list of ".exe" files. Most of them may seem cryptic, although a few may look familiar, as they share titles with running programs (ex: "chrome.exe" for Google Chrome, "iTunes.exe" for iTunes, etc).
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Click on whatever files you would like to clear from your processes and select "End Process." A window will pop up to warn you of the undesirable effects deleting said process may have. Click "Yes" to go ahead and end the process.
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Tips & Warnings
Processes listed under your user name, as opposed to SYSTEM, NETWORK SERVICE, or LOCAL SERVICE, are third-party applications you have installed. Determine whether you need these processes, and if not, it is safe to end them.
Be careful not to delete vital processes, as it may result in Windows performing poorly or shutting down altogether. The following is a list of vital processes:
-- taskmgr.exe
--explorer.exe
--svchost.exe
--winlogon.exe
--csrss.exe
--smss.exe
--System Idle Process
--spoolsv.exe
--lsass.exe
--services.exe
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