Many software today want to run some of their components at all times, whether the programs are being used or not. These components will be inserted into Windows Startup System so that they can be run every time you turn on your computer without your permission. All these programs take up memory, CPU time, and other resources and can significantly slow up or even crash your system. These programs are one of computing’s big annoyances. In order to speed up computer, you must disallow unnecessary programs from running at startup.

There are many different ways to prevent programs from running at startup. Some common methods are listed below.

• Method 1: Configuring Windows Startup Folders for Windows 95/98/Me/XP/Vista

You may find a number of program shortcuts if you go to (Start –> Programs –> Startup) or (Start –> All Programs –> Startup). Programs of these shortcuts will run at startup. Just delete the shortcuts that you don’t want to run at startup, based on your OS listed below:

• Win9x/98/Me - C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
• WinNT/2K - C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
• WinXP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup




• Method 2: Using System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)

For Windows Vista:
The easiest way to access MSCONFIG is by going to the “Start”, then type the msconfig and wait for a second for the windows to search for the utility, finally click on the MSCONFIG shown on top of the menu.


Windows Vista

For Windows XP and Other Windows
Access MSCONFIG by going to the Start –> Run, then type msconfig and press enter.


Windows 95/98/Me/XP

What Next?
Under the Startup tab there is a list of all the programs that start in the Windows Registry. Just uncheck the programs you don’t want to load and leave the rest alone. After you’ve made your selections, click Apply and Ok.


Windows Vista

Windows 95/98/Me/XP

My advice:
Some of the startup programs are important. If you are not sure, you better leave the item untouched, but you are free to experiment (you can always turn them on again). If you find the above instructions are too complicated, you should ask your friends who are good in computing to help you out. You can also leave your question in the comments section below and I’ll do my best to answer it for you.