Windows XP forum: how to disable unwanted startup applications

START -> RUN
type MSCONFIG in the RUN box
then click OK

Click on the startup TAB

Look at each line that has a check in the box, these are startup items. Uncheck the ones you do not want ot run at startup.

Click OK and reboot.

You should also do an antispyware scan.
http://www.ewido.com

Download and install ewido.
Update it and do a full system scan.

Its for worms,trojans,and so on.Very good program.Click EWIDO

Tom

ksteil, Just to add to Merl's instructions the links below should be of help as to what items to uncheck under the Startup tab in MSCONFIG.

http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

http://sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Tufenuf

I understand you can use msconfig in windows XP, but how do you the same in windows 2000.

Thanks Tufenuf Will try to download Msconfig. H3709

One of the lines in my MSCONFIG file is blank. Totally blank in the startup item and command section but has HKLM . . . in the last column. What is this? Any ideas?

Hullo.

When i last used Windows (98se and Xp) i regularily made use of the PcForrest Startman program and found it exellent.

It allows easy management of starting programs and provides a back up if you disable any and;

If you right click a start up on the startman list you can go off to the site and get the startup identified.All for free although donations are possible.

Answers that work also a great site.

Best Wishes all,Chris

Must admit though ive changed to Ubuntu GNU/Linux awhile now and no regrets for general computer use.This machine is now used as it is meant to be and not as a battle ground against virus's and spyware.I do run a firewall in GNU/Linux also a virus scanner but just get NO probs.

WinPatrol is a wonderful program! I think it is really worth getting the "Plus" edition for the small fee. It also helps you determine other applications that may be running on your computer that you don't need or want.

I have modified my msconfig - start up applications and some of my programs did not work correctly.
Example. I have a wireless Logitech keyboard and mouse and after modifying the start up application, some of the buttons on the mouse did not work as they did during the initial installation. I had to go back in and try and decipher what program did what and check the appropriate box. In doing so, my mouse is fully operational again.

People ask questions and don't need "for dummies" added to your answer.

Adaware alone is not sufficient to clean up spyware.
Ewido does the best that I have found, but I usually run Spybot and Adaware as well.

As far as startup programs, msconfig will show "most" of what is starting up but if spyware is on your machine it may not show in msconfig. Some other startup management programs can show more and some of them explain what those items are.

If you just want to use msconfig, but what to know what each item is, then look for a file or exe name and search for it on google. You can determine the origin of almost everything quickly.

If they are HP (hewlitt packard) or Logitech you can tell where they belong already. Many others may not be as obvious, but unchecking them does not remove them, you can always go back and check them again.

You will find with Windows that there is generally more than one way, more than one answer. Often, no "single" answer is the correct one.

Your initial post suggests you have not realised that yet.

Please modify your responses.

Mark

downloaded startup mechanic,did a scan,"mechanic" is telling me 'windows defender' is harmfull !!!!

whats up with that ??

Everytime I try to install them I get a notice from Spybot that it has detected a registry entry. Then I get a popup that says registry change denied. Checked Spybot and it's been blocking all my downloads (which explains why they're not working) I've spent the last 3 hours trying to resolve this but now I call "uncle" Can anyone help?

To start and stop Programs at startup. You might be best off using a program called 'Desktop Armor' formerly this program used to be 'Geek superhero'.
I recommend this program to all new users because it is very simple to use, has a great deal of Security features and gives you the ability to toggle whether Programs run at startup or not.
I have been using these programs for over 3 years, you may well be impressed with the functionality and Security features, as I am.

Startup Cop Pro cost a little bit but it works evertytime..only one I have used for 3 years now and it works...............