Stopping programs from loading on startup

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rob E.
  • Start date Start date
R

Rob E.

A few computers ago I could get into the autoexec file
and keep things from loading on startup. Now I have a
calender checker from ULEAD video editing software that
loads and sits in the tray.

I got an off the rack XP machine and it is too slow. I'd
like to figure out what I can keep from loading so that
there's more memory available for simple things like
opening programs, menus, windows, etc.

Thanks for any direction or comments you can provide.

Rob E.
 
Here's how to prevent programs from starting with Windows XP (presented in
'best idea to worst idea' order):

1. Open the program and search through its menus to find the program's
configuration options (sometimes called 'preferences'.) You'll often see an
option to start or not to start the program with Windows.

2. Open the Start menu's Startup folder (Start > All Programs > Startup.)
This folder contains shortcuts to programs that start with Windows. Delete
the shortcut of any program that you don't wish to start with Windows.

3. Visit the technical support section of the software author's web site and
look for advice on how to prevent the program from starting with Windows, or
contact its technical support group via e-mail and ask for advice.

4. Uninstall the program. If the program won't uninstall (properly or at
all) then go back to the technical support section of the software author's
web site and look for advice on how to uninstall the program, or contact its
technical support group via e-mail and ask for advice.

5. Manually remove all the program's files and registry entries. This is
risky, and not recommended. You can't be sure that you have eliminated every
piece of the software and you will very likely cause damage to your system.

The System Configuration Utility ('msconfig') built into Windows XP has a
way to disable items from starting with Windows. This utility was intended
for troubleshooting startup and shutdown problems. It is not a permanent
solution.

Tom Swift
 
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