Member Avatar for F083153WM

I'm trying to find out if things that run on my PC are necessary, boot up takes forever.
I saw that realplay.exe is running and can't find where it gets started, it is not in the system services folder yet starts up when booting.
I read where this application on boot up could cause it to be very slow.
I also have AOL security on my pc.
I am running windows XP on a Dell pc
Any suggestions will help
Thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by coolraj003

Dani AI

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Quick action plan (builds on and ): disabling startup items is a good quick fix, but if you can’t find where realplay.exe is launched you need a deeper look at every autostart location and the running process itself.

To find the origin of realplay.exe use a process viewer and an autorun inspector:

  • Use Process Explorer to locate the running realplay.exe and view its full image path and properties (Process Explorer).
  • Use Autoruns to enumerate every startup location and search for anything referencing RealPlayer; uncheck the specific entry rather than guessing which item to remove (Autoruns).

Also check these places manually (backup Registry and create a restore point first):

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
C:\Documents and Settings\<YourUser>\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Control Panel -> Scheduled Tasks
Services (services.msc)

If the autorun entry is in RealPlayer’s own settings, turn off its “start with Windows” option or uninstall RealPlayer from Add/Remove Programs if you don’t need it.

Regarding AOL Security: as noted, security suites can add significant boot delay on XP. Temporarily remove or disable the suite to test boot time, but don’t leave an internet-connected XP system unprotected—XP is unsupported now and poses a security risk. Other useful checks: enable XP boot logging (Advanced Boot Options -> Boot Logging) and inspect C:\Windows\ntbtlog.txt, run chkdsk and a SMART check on the drive, and defragment if it’s a spinning disk. Always back up important data before making system or Registry changes.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

at the start button go to run,type in "msconfig" with out the quotes" in there you will find the Real Player , un check it and any other program you recognize and don't need running .reboot after you finish ,then check not to show this again in the dialog box that comes up after reboot.

Member Avatar for coolraj003

Hi

I aam not very keen on AOL security either, as i have personally experienced it and didnt find it secure or reliable for that matter as it ruined the performance of my PC along with gettin bugs onto it. SO i'd recommend u to have some other security software and also run check for any adwares or spywares as that could be the reason it takes so long to boot up. With AOL security i dont find it hard to beleive that you r PC could be infected.

Regards
Raj

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