A quick look at a HJT log?

[jholland1964]

Hi John,
These are the ones I know for sure that can be disabled;
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [preload] C:\Windows\RUNXMLPL.exe>>>have found no information for it except that it is non-essential and can be disabled
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE>>>Realtek AC97 Audio - Event Monitor. "Sypware" file used surreptitiously monitor one's actions. It is not a sinister one, like remote control programs, but it is being used by Realtek to gather data about customers

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxtray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe>>>Quick access to the control panel via a System Tray icon for graphics based upon the Intel chipsets (ie, i810). These chipsets are often included on motherboards. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxhkcmd] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe>>>Installed by the Intel 810 and 815 chipset graphic drivers. If you want the Ctrl Alt F12 or similar keypresses to access Intel's customised graphics properties, you need it, otherwise not. Can be disabled via the Display Properties in Control Panel

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe>>>Associated with the Common User Interface module for Intel graphics cards

Unless he purchased the Ewido program I would also disable that automatic scanning in the background portion of the program. Unless this is the paid version of the program the background scanner won't really work after two weeks of download and it would be pointless to have it keep starting up. The manual scanner portion of the free program will work without purchase so it can be left on the computer, just disable the auto-start background scanner.

There ARE a few others which are native to laptop computers which say are unnecessary however I am somewhat leery to recommend disabling as I am not certain how your friend uses the laptop and these may be items that he uses on a regular basis. I would hate to have you disable something and then have you find out that he cannot do something easily that he used to be able to do without thinking about it.
Judy