Removing programs on boot!

shockdr.007 · Aug 9, 2003

I have to many progrmas starting when I turn on the computer, Intell 700Mhz, 40GB HD, and me. How do you prevent all these programs from starting. I'd like to cut it down from about 3 dozen....thanks

†T-Rex † · Aug 9, 2003

Well... I'd say do it from the registry, but it's a little more complicated and a little more dangerous. Just go to the start menu, find the run command and type msconfig. Then go to the last tab... the Startup tab. Everything that starts up at boot-up will be listed there.

Robster12 · Aug 9, 2003

Hey T-Rex,
If you do this, and say uncheck ALL of the checkboxes there, you are only "deselecting" the applications that are installed on the computer, right?
I mean, its not like disableing any system files or anything, is it?
(I was trying to do this same thing last night).

DavidGP · Aug 9, 2003

Yes all you are doing when de-selecting in MSconfig > Startup is stopping those apps from runing at starup, you can still run them manually as it doesnt remove the app just the RUN command at startup.

Most if not all of those programs can be perminently removed from starting at boot by deleting their registry keys

HKLM\Software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run

plus some can sometimes be found in "RunOnce" and "RunOnceEx"

but if you are not happy editing the registry or may one day wish to enable them at startup then T-Rex's way of de-select in MSconfig is best.

Robster12 · Aug 9, 2003

Thanks Halo.
Actually, I think I may edit the registry, but not this minute-I've got to go to work ha ha.

Maxwell · Aug 9, 2003

However, msconfig only gets some of the start-up programs. Other start locations are from Start folder on the Start/Programs on your start menu.

What you could do is download and install the startup.cpl (Startup Control Panel http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=619) which will allow you to identify many start locations. This acts like a control panel applet.

Brian C · Aug 9, 2003

Could be the bulk of them are just in the Startup folder. I've seen MANY peoples computers that have had scores of stuff in them. Only thing I have in mine, is AOL & AOL Companion. A lot of software you install, throws itself in the startup folder.

Aurelius · Aug 9, 2003

The safest way is to disable programs in this order:

1. Uncheck the option "run (load) at startup" in unwanted programs.
2. If there is no such option in a program, use msconfig.
3. If msconfig doesn't list this program, use some third party utility. I have been using Startup Cop (PC Mag) for years.

Robster12 · Aug 10, 2003

You guys know that you're going to make books and magazines obsolete, don't you?

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Removing programs on boot!

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