In Windows XP, how do I prevent certain programs from automatically opening when I start my computer?

Question

I'm trying 2 stop some instant messengers and other crap from automatically opening every time I turn on the computer--I know where there's a will----there's way...................

Answer 1

The easiest way I've found is a third party program called spybot.
http://www.spybot.info/
Put it into expert mode and navigate to start up and uncheck all the boxes of the programs you don't want. at the right is descriptions of the program.

Answer 2

Here are the things you might want to check:


1. Are any of the instant messengers in the Start -> Programs -> Startup folder? To find out, click on Start button followed by Programs and move your mouse over Startup.
Alternatively, you may want to go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup which is the same folder as Start->Programs->Startup.
If found, right mouse click on the "instant messenger" or whatever programs that you do not want and select 'delete'.
(You can freely delete any items in this folder without risking modifying or damaging any existing programs, because everything in this folder is a shortcut.)

2. The second method is quite technical. You will need to browse to the registry editor.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx to view what are the programs that will run once the PC starts up. From here, you can delete those that you do not want.

If you understand what I said above, then I think you know what I mean. If not, then may I suggest that you get a friend who knows what he/she is doing when it comes to registry changes.

I do not want to elaborate further on how you can do this as deleting a wrong file in the registry might cause serious damage. Worst consequence: You may have to re-format the whole PC.

3. Got to each instant messengers and look at their properties. You can un-select the option to automatically startup when the PC starts. Let me take Yahoo Messenger for an example, start Yahoo Messenger ->Messenger->Preference->General, on the right uncheck the "Automatically start Yahoo! Messenger".


Wish you all the best with you trying to remove those annoying instant messengers start ups.

Answer 3

I know just how you feel and it drove me crazy till I remembered this little utility. I have Window XP also, and I found this great little utility called WIN Patrol. When the window comes up it shows every program running. You can choose to have programs start automatically or manually and it shows more detail than the mscofig. It is very simple to use. Plus it also helps to monitor your system while online to see if anything is trying to sneak in the back door. It's great and it's FREE. go to : http://www.winpatrol.com/ I hope that helps.

Answer 4

Start
Run
Type in: msconfig
Go to the Startup tab
You will see everything being automatically loaded on your PC listed there
Uncheck the items you do not want
Nothing on that list is needed for Windows itself to run - they are all for add on programs - so you can not harm the computer by turning things off there (Most people uncheck everything on the list)
If you chance your mind, you just go back and recheck the item

Answer 5

turn off gadget fix and acquire Malwarebytes Anti Malware.Or do the 1st and reset to production facility settings or out of your restoration disc.you may lose all you have on your gadget nevertheless.Or advert-conscious is giving and better version away for an anniversary.circulate to report Hippo and positioned it on.It removes maximum.don't be attentive to what your making use of, so can only say.in the adventure that your making use of Acer to reset from production facility settings.On activate until eventually now the variety shows press and carry down for 8-10 seconds.Ctri +F10.If DELL or HP.Ctri +F11.turn off gadget fix first and you ought to get the relationship good.Or swap off and take a inspect lower back.