Stop Programs Running At Start Up

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From the computer of: AlexTheBeast (133 recipes)
Created: Nov 30, 2003     Updated: Apr 19, 2005

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This recipe describes the default locations to stop things from running at windows start up.

Disclaimer: This recipe mainly just tells the user where to look to disable files that load during startup. This involves editing the registry, so make backups first. If you are not comfortable making such changes, then find somebody (or a program) that will do this for you.

If you are not comfortable, I highly recommend Startup Faster which will cheaply and safely makes these changes for you. Try this free trial to see if you like it.

1. Startup Folder
- Any shortcut that lives in the startup folder will be executed when the system loads from a reboot. Deleting any of these shortcut, therefore, will prevent these programs from being loaded. This folder can be found in the programs section of the start menu.

2. Registry
- Two main locations exist in the registry that will execute programs that are listed there.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

The Data field lists the program and its associated information. You may right-click on any program and choose delete to prevent it from executing at startup.

More detailed instructions including lists of common startup programs can be found at pacs-portal.co.uk