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Wrestling with programs that automatically start up.


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The first thing to try is to take a look at the start tab for the MSCONFIG program.
  1. Click on "Start".
  2. Click on "Run".
  3. In the little window that opens, type in msconfig.
  4. Click "Okay".
A new window will open:
Image of MSCONFIG menu

Click on the tab called "Startup".
You will see a list of programs that all are set to start up automatically when your computer boots up.

Here's an example from my computer:
Image of list of programs that startup automatically

Note that some of the names on the list at the left are incomprehensible.  You can widen the column in the center which will reveal where the program is located in your "Program Files" directory.  This can give you a clue about what program the item belongs to.

Unclick the items that you don't want to startup automatically.  If you're not sure about it, leave it checked.

Image of Startup Menu with items checked

Click "Apply".  Then click "OK".  
The window will close and you will be prompted to restart your computer.

CAUTION:
There are some things that you don't want to remove from this list.  I can't give you any guidance about this, either.  If you're really determined, you could do a search on the web for the file name and see what information you can find out about it.

BUT, there is another way that I use to keep my auto startup list cleaned up.
Follow me to the next page.  






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