Start up programs

[rfdjr1]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

 

[Dave-UK]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

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

 

[Alexander Arnakis]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

Actually, there are several places, but one of them is the "Run" key
in the Registry.

Type in "regedit" in the Run command to start the Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows ->
CurrentVersion -> Run.
You can delete programs listed there that you don't want to run at
startup.

 

[Ken Blake]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

First, note that you should be concerned with *all* programs that
start automatically, not just with those that go into the system tray.
Not all auto-starting programs manifest themselves by an icon in the
tray.

On each program you don't want to start automatically, check its
Options to see if it has the choice not to start (make sure you
actually choose the option not to run it, not just a "don't show icon"
option). Many can easily and best be stopped that way. If that doesn't
work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run line, and on the Startup tab,
uncheck the programs you don't want to start automatically.

However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of
running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell
you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs
you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but
others have no effect on performance.

Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do
is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what
the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can try
internet searches and ask about specifics here.

Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed
decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

As it's always been, in most cases, with "well-mannered"
applications, it's usually as simple as opening the undesired program
and deselecting the option to "display icon in the system tray" or to
"start when Windows starts."

Additionally, Look in the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start
Menu\Start Up folder, and in the system registry, primarily in the
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run keys.

This Knowledge Base Article refers to WinXP, but the same
principles apply in Windows 7:

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310560

Remember, Msconfig was designed to be a troubleshooting tool, not a
"startup configurer." Use MSConfig to determine the location of the
command that is attempting to start the program, and remove it. To
cease the selective startup notifications, either return your settings
to the way they were, or permanently remove the undesirable programs
from your startup configuration.

To use Windows Defender, click the Orb > Control Panel > Windows
Defender > Tools > Software Explorer and select the "Startup Programs"
category.

Additionally, AutoRuns from Sysinternals is a bit more complicated,
but it'll provide the same (and much more) information and capabilities:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/SystemInformation/Autoruns.mspx



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Dave-UK]

To use Windows Defender, click the Orb > Control Panel > Windows
Defender > Tools > Software Explorer and select the "Startup Programs"
category.

Bruce Chambers

There is no Software Explorer in the Windows 7 version of Defender, it ended with Vista.

 

[LouB]

First, note that you should be concerned with *all* programs that
start automatically, not just with those that go into the system tray.
Not all auto-starting programs manifest themselves by an icon in the
tray.

On each program you don't want to start automatically, check its
Options to see if it has the choice not to start (make sure you
actually choose the option not to run it, not just a "don't show icon"
option). Many can easily and best be stopped that way. If that doesn't
work, run MSCONFIG from the Start | Run line, and on the Startup tab,
uncheck the programs you don't want to start automatically.

However, if I were you, I wouldn't do this just for the purpose of
running the minimum number of programs. Despite what many people tell
you, you should be concerned, not with how *many* of these programs
you run, but *which*. Some of them can hurt performance severely, but
others have no effect on performance.

Don't just stop programs from running willy-nilly. What you should do
is determine what each program is, what its value is to you, and what
the cost in performance is of its running all the time. You can try
internet searches and ask about specifics here.

Once you have that information, you can make an intelligent informed
decision about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

Thanks for the info. Now the challange to you...
Which programs are "bad guys"

TIA

 

[Jeff Layman]

Actually, there are several places, but one of them is the "Run" key
in the Registry.

Type in "regedit" in the Run command to start the Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows ->
CurrentVersion -> Run.
You can delete programs listed there that you don't want to run at
startup.

Editing the registry when you don't have to is unnecessarily risky. It is
far safer to use "Autoruns" as suggested above, and it is much easier to
reverse any changes you make.

 

[Ken Blake]

Thanks for the info.

You're welcome. Glad to help..

Now the challange to you...
Which programs are "bad guys"

The main point I was making in what you quoted above is that what's
good and what's bad depends on *you*--your needs, and your likes and
dislikes. As a single example, I do all my finances with Quicken 2010.
I have it running all day long, and for that reason, I have it start
automatically when the computer boots. But *you* may not use Quicken
at all.

 

[Ken Blake]

Editing the registry when you don't have to is unnecessarily risky. It is
far safer to use "Autoruns" as suggested above, and it is much easier to
reverse any changes you make.

I completely agree (use Autoruns or any of several other similar
choices). Another advantage of using such a program instead of Regedit
is that not all programs start via the registry.

 

[Seth]

Actually, there are several places, but one of them is the "Run" key
in the Registry.

Type in "regedit" in the Run command to start the Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows ->
CurrentVersion -> Run.
You can delete programs listed there that you don't want to run at
startup.

Also, same reg path as above but in HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Those will be startup
programs on a per user basis.

 

[LouB]

You're welcome. Glad to help..




The main point I was making in what you quoted above is that what's
good and what's bad depends on *you*--your needs, and your likes and
dislikes. As a single example, I do all my finances with Quicken 2010.
I have it running all day long, and for that reason, I have it start
automatically when the computer boots. But *you* may not use Quicken
at all.

I understand but was hoping for a short(?) list)

 

[Ken Blake]

I understand but was hoping for a short(?) list)

Once again, my short list is not necessarily any good for you. My
point is that we all have different needs.

 

[Roy Smith]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

One program that I use is called Winpatrol which not only let's you see
what programs are set to auto start with Windows, it also alerts you if
some program tries to install itself to auto start on it's own. Those
are just a few of the features it offers and it's well worth the
download. You can get it here:

www.winpatrol.com


--

Roy Smith
Windows 7 Professional
Thunderbird 3.1
Friday, July 16, 2010 8:56:24 PM

 

[rfdjr1]

Other than the Start up folder in All Programs in the Start menu, where else can
I find the programs that are launched when the computer boots up? The Start Up
folder only shows two and I know there are more, some of which I'd like to
diable from automatic start up. Thanks.

Thanks for all the replies. I downloaded that Autoruns program, and I have to
say it's somewhat intimidating to me. I'm having trouble figuring out which of
the tabs I need to look at. Is it the logon tab and do I simply uncheck whatever
I don't want starting up with the computer?

 

[Ophelia]

One program that I use is called Winpatrol which not only let's you see
what programs are set to auto start with Windows, it also alerts you if
some program tries to install itself to auto start on it's own. Those are
just a few of the features it offers and it's well worth the download.
You can get it here:

www.winpatrol.com

Excellent! Many thanks for that!

 

[Dave-UK]

Thanks for all the replies. I downloaded that Autoruns program, and I have to
say it's somewhat intimidating to me. I'm having trouble figuring out which of
the tabs I need to look at. Is it the logon tab and do I simply uncheck whatever
I don't want starting up with the computer?

First make sure you are not displaying Microsoft entries:
Options > select ' Hide Microsoft and Windows entries'.
Then click on the dual green arrow icon ( Refresh (F5)).
When you find an entry you want to disable, clear it's box.
Select the box to re-enable that entry.
If you definitely don't want an entry to ever run then right-click and Delete.
If you want more information about an entry right-click and ' Search online...'.
If you are not sure about any entry then leave it alone until you are sure.
You'll find more details in the Help file.

 

[johnbee]

Actually, there are several places, but one of them is the "Run" key
in the Registry.

Type in "regedit" in the Run command to start the Registry Editor.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows ->
CurrentVersion -> Run.
You can delete programs listed there that you don't want to run at
startup.

It is fascinating to see people on this newsgroup advising people not to use
CCleaner (for example) because such software is dangerous or risky, but in
other messages happily telling them to have a go at regedit.

The original person should be told that his requirement is very common and
software exists which will do it nicely (The Guardian suggests Anvir - which
I have tried and is fine). Secondly, using regedit might well be a waste of
time precisely because the software will just put itself back into operation
as soon as it is run. So start the offending program and see if it is
possible to disable it's automatic starting - this will usually be the case.

 

[Ophelia]

First make sure you are not displaying Microsoft entries:
Options > select ' Hide Microsoft and Windows entries'.
Then click on the dual green arrow icon ( Refresh (F5)).
When you find an entry you want to disable, clear it's box.
Select the box to re-enable that entry.
If you definitely don't want an entry to ever run then right-click and
Delete.
If you want more information about an entry right-click and ' Search
online...'.
If you are not sure about any entry then leave it alone until you are
sure.
You'll find more details in the Help file.

Phew you are making me have to think, Dave....

 

[Dave-UK]

Phew you are making me have to think, Dave....

You can do it!
Here's a much simpler one to start with.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/what_run_in_startup.html