Where should the PROGRAMS folder be located in winxp?

[syfisher]

Running winxp pro, my boot time is around 4 minutes. I've tried many things, including removing all unnecessary services and startup programs. I just noticed that I have a PROGRAMS folder in 4 different locations: (1) C:\Documents & Settings\Administrator\Start Menu; (2) ...\All Users\Start Menu; and (3)...\Seymour Fisher\Start Menu.

The Administrator start menu\PROGRAMS contains 4 short cuts (Outlook Express, IE, Desktop.ini, & Remote Assistance) + 2 folders (Accessories & an empty Startup).

The All Users start menu\PROGRAMS contains all the 56 objects listed in my tray Start\All Programs.

The Seymour Fisher start menu\PROGRAMS contain 26 short cuts to various files & folders plus its own PROGRAMS folder containing 6 folders (Accessories, Administrative Tools, a Heatsoft synchronizer that I use, an empty Startup, uplayer, and WeatherBug plus an IE short cut and a desktop.ini.

Are all these Programs folders necessaary to run winxp? Is this contributing to my s..l..o..w.. boot time? I'd very much appreciate your advice. TIA

 

[Hawkeye22]

This is normal and it doesn't use much space since these are all shortcuts to the programs.

Startup programs not only exist in the startup folder, but in the registry too. try autoruns. It will show you all your startup programs and you can go from there.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902

 

[hang-the-9]

First thing, you need to list your system spec. Running a slow computer, you will have slow boot times. Also running a bunch of add-ons, toolbars, system tray doohikies, etc... will slow things down.

 

[syfisher]

This is normal and it doesn't use much space since these are all shortcuts to the programs.

Startup programs not only exist in the startup folder, but in the registry too. try autoruns. It will show you all your startup programs and you can go from there.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902

Thx for the explanation. At least I can rule FOLDERS out in my search to decrease boot time; I'll go back to see if I can stop some more services and try autoruns. Thx again.

 

[syfisher]

First thing, you need to list your system spec. Running a slow computer, you will have slow boot times. Also running a bunch of add-ons, toolbars, system tray doohikies, etc... will slow things down.

Once my PC is booted and I'm finally connected to the internet, the machine purrs beautifully, with almost instantaneous responses. I'll go back and check my add-ons, toolbars, & system tray doohikies.

Thx for taking the time to post.