"C:\\program files\\dell" at startup

Hi,

this question seems to have been asked a lot on line but i have yet to find a solution.

When i login to windows (XP SP3 inspiron 1300) i get an explorer window open at "C:\program files\dell". This happens every time i log in after a reboot.

I have followed the following instructions http://windowsxp.mvps.org/dellfolder.htm with no luck.

Any idea why this is happening and how to stop it?

Thanks

 

I'd say figure out which registry key is being used at startup.

If you have CCleaner installed then open it and select Tools from the left and then Startup. Which Dell program is set to run ...DSAgent.exe and/or ...quickset.exe?

If you don't have CCleaner then Start>Run>type in msconfig and hit OK. In the window that opens under the startup tab which Dell program(s) is set to run? {Use Cancel button to exit msconfig to ensure no changes}

 

so i found quickset.exe in start up.
I disabled it and rebooted. same problem.
Attached is a screen capture from cccleaner of items enabled at startup.

any help appreciated. thanks

 

The original link you provided suggesting putting quotes around the entire path of those two entries, seems to indicate that the problem is the space in the Dell folder names. Now, that I look again I am not sure why the quickset one would be a problem. Its path is fairly clear.

I would disable the other three Dell startup items. If that stops the folder from opening then we have to find those entries in regedit. If it doesn't stop explorer from opening the folder then we know we have to look somewhere else.

 

thanks.

the problem is due to the memcard.exe from the dell printer.
Not sure what the purpose of having this window open is but i have disabled it.

i can restart it manually from the programs list if i need to

is it best to leave the machine like this or should i just remove the entry completely from startup? what is recommended?

thanks again

 

I think the best practice is to not use CCleaner to permanently disable a startup option.

Since you were able to use regedit before, the instruction would be as follows to edit that key.

(If the key doesn't exist let me know and I'll look to see if there is an alternate location.)