Windows - Disabling Startup Programs

This document explains how to disable startup programs in Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.

To disable program in the Window's (98/ME/XP) Startup:

  1. Use the System Configuration Utility to safely turn off programs that start-up through the Windows Registry. Access this utility by going to the Start-->Run

Display of the Run window when starting MSconfig

  1. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  2. Under the Startup tab there is a list of all the programs that start in the Windows Registry. By unchecking many of the programs you can speed up the launch time of Windows.
  3. It is recommended that you keep the lines that say ScanRegistry and SystemTray.

Display of the System Configuration Utility window

  1. If you are unsure about what other start-up programs you can disable, consult the DoIT Help Desk (264-4357).

To disable program in the Window's (2000) Startup:

  1. Select Start->Run
  2. Type in MMC and press Enter.

Launching MMC from Run window

  1. Click on Console.

Selecting Console button from MMC window

  1. Click on Add/Remove Snap-in...

Click on Add / Remove Snap-in from drop down menu

  1. Click on Add.

Click on the Add button

  1. Scroll down to Group Policy snap-in and highlight it.

Highlighting the Group Policy snap-in

  1. Click on Add.
  2. Click on Finish.

Click on the Finish button

  1. Click on Close and then OK.

Click on the Close button

Click on the OK button

  1. Click on the plus (+) in front of Local Computer Policy.
  2. Click on the plus (+) in front of Computer Configuration.
  3. Click on the plus (+) in front of Administrative Templates.
  4. Click once to highlight System.
  5. In the right pane, double-click Run these programs at user logon.

Selecting and launching Run these program at user logon

  1. Select Enable.
  2. Click on Show.

Logon properties window

  1. Click once on one of the programs listed, if any, to highlight it.
  2. Click Remove to delete it from the list.

Display of any startup programs, if any

  1. Click OK to exit.
  2. You can click Cancel to exit the rest.
  3. When asked to Save the console settings..., click No.