Jim Guckin

Every once in a while, I get the following question:

Question:

How do I stop programs from running when I start up my computer?

Answer:

This is actually a very simple process.  The first place would be the check the windows start up folder, by clicking on the Start Bar going to programs and then finding the startup folder.  This is the most basic way to make sure only what you want starts up with the computer.  Though make sure you are careful of what you get rid of some programs may not operate or work they way they normally do if you follow any of the steps I’ve listed or will list.  So make sure you know what you are doing.

There is also a second way of doing this by going Start Button and Run and typing “msconfig”, this brings the system configuration screen:

Once there click on the Startup tab and you will see what programs are slated to run when you computer turns on.  This lets you disable a start up without deleting it, but unchecking the box:

If the box is checked, the program will run, and unchecked it wont.  Make sure you don’t disable any anti-virus support, by just unchecking everything.  Once again unchecking here may cause programs to not work or not fully work, so be careful.

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If  you have any questions that you want Jim to answer, from business servers to home computers, drop him a line at me@jimguckin.com, and he’ll try to answer your question.  Check back every Monday for a new Question and Answer session, and check back Wednesday and Friday for other technical insights.