How to Change Programs at Windows Startup

In Windows operating systems, certain Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs are initiated during startup. Often, users will need to modify the startup process to stop the loading of some TSR programs. A Windows utility program, the System Configuration Utility (msconfig), is provided with each operating system installation. This utility will enable the user to modify the Windows startup process and the programs initiated during this process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Close all unnecessary running programs.

2. Click the "Start" button on the Windows desktop.

3. Select the "Run" option.

4. 
    
   System Configuration Utility

   Type "msconfig" (with or without quotes) into the Run input box.

5. Click "OK." A window with five tabs will appear.

6. Click the "Startup" tab. A list of programs with checkboxes will appear.

7. Uncheck each unneeded startup program. By using the msconfig utility, changes made to the startup process may be easily reversed.

8. Reboot the computer. Windows will now start only the TSR programs specified with the configuration utility.

References

• Microsoft: Modify Startup Programs
• HP Microsoft - Windows Vista Advanced Customization