Why does Cisco Clean Access take so long to load on Windows Vista?
Services:
Windows Vista has around 130 services installed! A service is a program that starts up when the computer is turned on and performs a specific function. For example, the mouse controller.
Most computers come installed with a variety of software such as AntiVirus, Vonage and Google desktop, which also add to the list of services. Before arriving at Cal Poly, most individuals install a variety of programs such as iTunes, IM clients, etc., which all add even more services.
Many services have a specific priority according the function they perform and take a specific amount of time to initiate. Other services must essentially wait in line for the one ahead of it to finish before starting up. Because of the way vista is set up, CCA is set to the back of the line and has to wait for the computer to start up essential services before it can initiate.
Start Up Programs:
Besides services, which run in the background, Start Up programs are loaded in the system tray during start up. Similar to services, each is given a priority and takes a certain amount of time to load. The greater the amount of start up programs the longer it takes for the computer to start up. Meany of these programs are important and help keep the computer running smoothly, but many are unnecessary and slow it down. Because CCA is designed to be a "light" or unobtrusive program it starts up at the end of the list.
Vista UAC:
To add to the delay, Vista also requires the user to choose a Network location and specifically grant permission through the User Account Control (UAC) prompt for CCA to launch.
So how do you help solve this problem?
Start CCA Manually.
We have found if you remove CCA from the startup items and launch it manually individuals can again access quicker.
To disable CCA as a startup item:
- click on Start>>
- type MSCONFIG on start search>>
- click on the "Start Up" tab.
- Uncheck "CCAAgent.exe" and press OK.
- You will receive a prompt asking you to restart the computer.
- After restart you'll notice that CCA is no longer in the taskbar.
- You will now need to Manually Start CCA Agent whenever you require Access.
Disable services which one may not require.
There may be several services which you can disable or switch over to manual mode. Auto-starting and closing down of services takes time & resources. Before proceeding with this we strongly encourage you to read and understand what you are doing.
For more help on this issue please see:
Optimize Windows Vista for better performance
Disabling unneeded startup items:
Before proceeding with this we strongly encourage you to read and understand what you are doing.
To disable startup items:
- click on Start>>
- type MSCONFIG on start search>>
- click on the "Start Up" tab.
- After understanding which startup programs are not necessary you may disable them.
- You will receive a prompt asking you to restart the computer.
- After restart you'll notice that some of your programs in the taskbar will no longer be there.
For more help on this issue please see:
Optimize Windows Vista for better performance
Last Update: 10/6/2009
This website best viewed in Safari 4, Firefox 3 & IE 8.
Internet Explorer 6 not supported.
