Windows tip: Stop a program from running at startup
We all know what it’s like to wait for your computer to start-up and launch Windows. The reason why it might take a long while is because you have a lot of programs that boot with your operating system. Read on if you want to know a simple way to view and change this list.
We all know what it’s like to wait for your computer to start-up and launch Windows. The reason why it might take a long while is because you have a lot of programs that boot with your operating system. Read on if you want to know a simple way to view and change this list.
Back in the day it was tough to stop a Windows program from launching at start-up, usually requiring you to go through your registry, and such. Windows Vista makes it a lot easier to see what’s starting with your computer and stopping the ones that takes your computer 10 minutes to boot up.
Simply click the Start button in the lower let-hand corner of the screen and then select Control Panel. Now type the word "startup" (without the quotes) in the search window. Note: you don’t have to press Enter when you’re done.
Here you’ll see an option for "Stop a program from running at startup" – click this and have at it. You can select to Remove or just Disable any startup program, as well as read other related information.
Filed Under: Computers & Software
this was a stupid tip, nothing came up when I did what was suggested but I do get a pile of programs loading at boot up. Amatuers should keep their limited skills to themselves
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Worked for me, "bigboy," just tried it again on two Vista PCs.
It lists what programs launch at start-up and you can remove or disable them.
Marc
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Will this also work with Windows XP?
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bigboy, the only amateur is you because it works just fine. Howerever if it is not working it may be b/c you have windows defender turned off.
Better way… open msconfig (start, then type 'msconfig' under the search) and there you can go to all the startup programs and services and select the ones that startup and turn the ones you don't want off.
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Nope, sorry Robert, I think it only works with Windows Vista.
And Steve, thanks for the clarification about Windows Defender turned on. Didn't even think of that!
Marc
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The msconfig path works with XP. What would be useful is a list of items that absolutely must start on boot-up. I've unchecked all but 11 items, am afraid to do more.
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I tried this tip but it does not seem to work on a lap top, any other suggestions??
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It should work on any sort of computer, desk or laptop – works fine on mine anyway. This is ancient news and has worked on previous Windows versions. Remove anything that is not needed to run your computer – but be sure to leave your security programs (anti-virus) on.
Other programs like ccleaner and Advanced Windows care can help you with the process if you have trouble doing it through msconfig.
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Marc's process is correct, although yes, you do have to have Windows Defender turned on.
As noted by first last, another option is Advanced Windows Care, and I find it far more elegant and feature rich than the Vista tool. It's at: http://www.download.com/Advanced-WindowsCare-Personal/3000-2086_4-10407614.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10890240
In addition to simply listing the apps and allowing you to determine if they start automatically, AWC gives you information on what the app does and makes recommendations on whether you need it.
And it works on XP. The startup manager is under the Tools menu, and AWC also cleans your registry and checks for spyware.
And it's free.
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Marc, you are right about the Vista part but one can do the same thing in Win XP as well provided SP2(service pack) and Windows defender is installed. As for doing it via registry, that was mostly for Win 95, 98 type operating systems. For win xp, it can be done via registry, but it is not for the novice.
(If someone wants to do it via registry, make a full backup using system restore and also backup the registery seperatly). There are free programs that can do it.
The following will work for Win XP AND Vista.
Go to control panel and look for startup icon (Win xp) or search for it (Vista), and open it.
Now you'll see a bunch of tabs like
Startup(user), usually nothing in that one.
Startup(common), again usually nothing.
HKLM/Run
this is the one where most of the startup programs should be listed. (just delete the ones you dont want running at startup from this tab but make sure you know what they do, if u dont, then google it). The only ones you MUST NOT remove from this tab are the anti-virus, firewall (if it shows up), and windows defender and a few others that relate to printers, video, sound, Java, any system32 file, and Index search for Vista and Win XP if u had it installed separately.
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This is great can you explain for other windows operating systems other than Vista? I have XP and my computer takes forever to boot up!
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i did as it said and it took me to a web page called startup
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You can accomplish this under XP by running msconfig. Got to 'Start', select 'Run', and type 'msconfig'. Select 'Startup' tab and browse your startup programs, checking and unchecking as you please. You need some of them regardless, like 'ctfmon'. Find out more.
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There is nothing there when I type in startup.
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Here is a startup application list. Just type in the name of the program to see whether or not it is necessary in startup.
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
More info – http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm
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Tried this, did not work. When I typed "startup" (without the quotes), no program called"Stop a program from running at startup" was found. Is this info incorrect?
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follwed the instructions,startup,and nothing happens,why?
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What Kind of computer You using? Click on the control panel will never give you the start up window YOU want..In VISTA You click on the start button,then click on ALL PROGRAMS,then ACCESSORIES, then find RUN,You click on RUN
A window will pop up,it will ask You what do You want?Now type in STARTUP to open.Now click on OK It will bring up the start up programI.. do not know why the boys and girls in Redwood.WA.have to hide the RUN module in 5 steps to find it..In XP it was 2 steps to find it..I HATE VISTA.HOPE BILL WILL EXCHANGE OUR OPERATING SYSTEM FOR THE NEW WINDOWS 7 WHEN RELEASED..Why this stupidity ever released..Absolute no brainer steps to take to get to the program,and still packing more and more to it,more updates almost every day..Almost take all My 4 gig memory just to open a browser..WOWWWW BILL BILL ,SOMETHING STINKS IN REDWOOD..MAYBE ALL A SLEEP THERE??????
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this is all fine but I have xp verson and my start up takes so long , so how can I get rid of all the extra programs that all start up the same time ??
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I have some start up programs that I would like to diaable, but when I pull them up, the disable button and remove button are not lite up and i can't disable the programs.
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