How to Stop programs from loading at Startup

Every time you install a program on your PC , most add a small entry to load at startup so when you start that program it takes only a few seconds to start.

problem is, if you have installed a lot or programs, this can slow down you computer at startup and you really don't gain anything from this.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You already have it
• This is for Windows XP machines only

1. 
   This will open a command line window

   Go to Start >> RUN

2. Type in msconfig and press the OK button

3. 
   Select the

   Select the "Startup Tab" from the system configuration window

4. Un-Check the programs that you do not want to load at startup.

5. Press OK

6. You will need to reboot your PC for these setting to take effect.

7. When the PC reboots, you will get a message screen telling you are loading a changed file, press OK

Tips & Warnings

• Some programs (very few) actually do need the startup file to load for them to work properly.
• This will allow you to turn off most NAG screens on TrialWare, or expired software wanting you to register.
• Spyware and some trojans add an entry to this, unchecking this will help in the removal of viruses and spyware
• If you find a program not working properly after reboot, follow steps 1-3 and find the program and check it to load at startup.

[webzarus]

on 10/22/2008 if you look to the right of the under the command column, it will show you what program is calling that particular file.

if that is not enough information for you, If you google the name, it will generally provide links to sites that explain the file and what it does

[morganjt]

on 10/18/2008 Hi Knowledgeable Ones.
Where can I learn what the start short hand is, to what Programme name that I would recognised that I have on my computer??
Many Thanks
morganjt

[morganjt]

on 10/18/2008 Hi.
How can I know which progs are shown, from the short hand in the titles??
Many Thanks
James Morgan

[MidniteWriter]

on 12/26/2007 This works well and a lot of people don't know about it. Also, to turn off NAG and registration screens, you can uninstall the program entirely (usually labeled as "helper" type programs) in add/remove programs or "programs" screen in Windows.
Thanks for the article!

[SamyazaRedeemed]

on 12/24/2007 "Spyware and some trojans add an entry to this, unchecking this will help in the removal of viruses and spyware" it will not remove the virus it may just inhibit it from running, there is still nothing better then Running Up-To-Date Antivirus