How to Alter Startup Programs in Windows XP

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If you've been using Windows XP for a while, you may have noticed that your computer is taking longer to boot up. This is because programs are adding themselves to your start up, and they all have to load before you can start using the computer. Just follow the simple steps below and your computer will start a lot faster!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

MSConfig

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    Go to START -> Run, and enter msconfig . Hit enter to start the program. The following window should appear.
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    Here, you will see a list of programs that is similar to the one below:
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    A new window will appear, asking you to restart your computer.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Windows Defender

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    Click All Programs and then select Windows Defender.
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    When you are finished, click Disable.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Registry Editor

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    Type regedit into the field.
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    Delete that one program from either or both of those registry keys.
    • Caution: Do not delete other items in regedit that you see. Many may be unknown, peculiarly named system files. You could easily disable program associations, needed services, make the system fail or to be unstable.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I am trying to get the program to not only start, but for the application window to be open and ready to use. Right now it just goes to the taskbar. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Create a shortcut to the app (drag with the right button, let go, and select "Shortcut"), then drop a shortcut in the startup folder under applications.
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  • Question
    I have a timing issue on a CNC control with application starting before network is ready. Any way to put in a delay before starting an application?
    Arrogance
    Top Answerer
    Not directly, but you could put a batch (.bat) file in the Startup folder to open the program instead of a shortcut. Not all Windows XP systems have a sleep command, so a common workaround is to use ping to wait for a set amount of time. For example, you could have a .bat file that looks like: @echo off ping -n 31 127.0.0.1>nul cnc.exe
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      Video

      Tips

      • If you are unsure which programs are slowing your computer down, disable all the startup programs in Windows XP by clicking the Disable All button on the Startup Tab window. Restart your PC and, if the speed improves, then start adding programs back in one at a time until you discover which program is slowing down your startup.
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      • If you are unsure whether or not to leave a program running, search for the file name on ProcessLibrary.com to see whether a particular startup process should or should not be removed.
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      Warnings

      • Back up your registry before you alter it, just in case you make an error.
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      • Some programs are essential to system stability, such as ctfmon.exe, cmd.exe, and svchost.exe. Do not disable these processes.
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      Things You'll Need

      • PC with Windows XP
      • Windows Defender (optional)

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      References

      1. How to disable programs that run when you start Windows XP Home Edition or Windows Vista
      2. ProcessLibrary

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