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How do I tell my computer not to open loads of things on Startup?

6 replies

AmIWhatAndWhy · 08/04/2008 16:07

It drives me mad. Msn messenger, various spyware programmes, and loads of other things.

Help!

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theITgirl · 08/04/2008 16:21

If you click on Start, Programs, Startup can you see all of these?

If so open Windows explorer, go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
and you should see them all (if not try your login id instead of All users.

Then I would create a sub-directory in there called oldstartup & move everything you don't want into there.

This is just so that if a program stops working you can put things back again.

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AmIWhatAndWhy · 08/04/2008 16:43

I can't see that, I am using xp pro.

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theITgirl · 08/04/2008 16:50

Is it documents and settings directory you can't see

Then in explorer click on tools, folder options, View - then select 'show hidden files and folders'

I would hide them again when you have finished as this does stop you seeing & deleting system files

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Greyriverside · 08/04/2008 18:53

Some will be in the startup menu.
Start Menu, All Programs, StartUP

Some will have their own settings in their options or preferences such as "run at startup"

Some may start as a Service.
Right click My Computer Icon, Click Manage.
in the window that opens look for services on the bottom left. which when selected will show you a list on the right.

You can change a service from automatic to manual by right clicking it, but you do have to be careful which ones.

Some will be in the registry and that's a bit trickier, but there are certain places to look (I could find a list)

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Greyriverside · 08/04/2008 19:20

Also click Start button, select Run and type msconfig

When it loads click the startup tab and you will see some things you can untick.
If you're not sure which ones you can post them.
If you untick any and restart you will get a message telling you it's been done. You then tick the box and say ok and it won't mention it again.

It's easy to retick them later if you change your mind.

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AmIWhatAndWhy · 08/04/2008 22:28

Thanks I seem to have sorted it!

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