How to Delete Programs that Load at System Startup in Windows 2000

Sometimes, it seems as if every program you load onto your computer attempts to try and load itself during the Windows 2000 system startup. The problem with this is that the more programs that load, the slower your computer will become. Removing or deleting programs from system startup can be accomplished by several different methods.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Delete Programs that Load at System Startup in Windows 2000

1. Open the programs that load in system startup and check the options or preference configurations for the actual program. Most 3rd party programs offer a way to disable the program from loading when your computer starts.

2. Click on the "Start" button on your desktop. Choose "Programs" and then "Startup." Delete any shortcuts found in this directory by right clicking on the program name and choosing "Delete."

3. Click on "My Computer" and then your "C:" drive. Navigate through WinNT > Profiles > All Users. Continue on to Start Menus > Programs > Startup. Again, delete any programs you do not wish to load when the system starts.

4. Click on the "Start" button and choose "Run" from the menu. Type "msconfig" in the text box on the screen. Remove the checkbox mark in any program you wish to delete from the startup routine on the Startup tab. Reboot your computer to have the changes take effect.

5. Click "OK" after the computer has rebooted and the screen appears asking if you are sure you wish to load the "Selective Startup". Once Windows 2000 fully loads, it should run faster and have fewer programs in the system taskbar.

Tips & Warnings

• When loading new programs on your computer, if the software gives you the option during the installation, always choose not to load the software at computer startup. Most programs work just as effectively if started by the user instead of loading into system startup. If you have problems with the programs, just copy the program icon back into the startup directory. Only load programs vitally needed in system startup. These programs can include antivirus software or programs your work requires to be open at all times. For programs that you work with often and need quick access to, drag the desktop icon to the Quick Launch bar at the bottom of the Windows 2000 screen. The program can then be opened with a single click of the mouse.

References

• "How to Remove Startup Applications" by Pacman's Portal
• "How to Remove Startup Programs" by Mitch Tulloch