How to Remove Programs From the System Tray on Windows XP
The programs that are in the Windows XP system tray are loaded automatically at startup. When unnecessary programs are loaded when Windows starts, it can cause problems with memory and system performance. Most of the programs in the system tray load from the system registry, but others load from startup folders. Windows XP tools, such as Search, Add or Remove Programs, and the Windows System Configuration Utility offer a simple and safe solution to this problem.
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Instructions
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Start the System Configuration Utility by clicking "Start," "Run" and then typing "msconfig" in the field provided. Click "OK."
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In the "General" tab, click "Selective Startup." Click the "Startup" tab. Browse the list to see if you recognize the startup items in the list.
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Search on the file name of any program you don't recognize in the LIUtilities Windows process library or a similar site. Read the notes on the site to ensure that the program is not essential for your computer or another software program to run. See if there is a way to disable the program from loading at startup in the software's preferences or options.
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Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Add or Remove Programs" to uninstall unnecessary software that is loading programs at startup. For other programs, clear the checkmark next to the name of the startup item in the "Startup" tab of the System Configuration Utility.
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Click "OK." Click "Exit without Restart."
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Click "Start" and "Search." Click "All Files and Folders." Under "All or part of the file name," type "startup." Click "Search."
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Double-click each folder and program group marked "Startup" in the search results window. Delete any shortcut whose program you do not want to load at startup.
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Save your work and close all open programs. Click "Start," "Turn off Computer" and "Restart" to restart your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
If you experience problems after disabling any startup item, reopen the "Startup" tab in the System Configuration Utility to reenable it. You can also restore program shortcuts to the "Startup" folders by clicking and dragging the program icons to the folder.
Update reminders can be removed from the Windows XP system tray by installing the update.
You can permanently remove startup items from the computer by using the Registry Editor. Click "Start," "Run" and type "regedit" in the field and press "Enter." The location of the registry key for each startup item is shown at the right side of the "Startup" tab in the System Configuration Utility. However, making incorrect edits to the registry may cause serious problems that require you to reinstall your operating system. Always click "File" and "Export" to save a backup copy of your registry before making any changes to your system.
