112. How Do I Add/Remove/Disable Start Up Options

There are times when it becomes necessary to disable start-up items in order to troubleshoot problems. This is easily done via the Microsoft Configuration Utility. At the same time you might simply wish to remove the entry to the application from the Start-up folder. Adding an entry to the Start-up folder is very similar to removing an entry. However, it is only on a rare occasion that you may need to add an application to the start-up folder. under normal circumstances the software will add itself to the start-up folder, should it need to, during the initial installation of the respective software. Below are outlined the two main methods:

Method One

Click Start.
From the Start menu click Run.
In the Run dialogue box type: msconfig.
The Microsoft configuration window will open.
Click the Startup tab.
Locate the software entry you are looking to disable and remove the check mark from the box on the left of the entry.
Click Apply then finally OK.
Restart your pc when requested to do so.
When the PC restarts a message will appear telling you that you are running the pc in troubleshooting mode. On the left of the message you will see a check mark and an option that says 'do not show this again'. Remove the check mark and press OK. This message only appears because you have made changes to the configuration of your pc. By removing the check mark the message will not appear again when you boot your pc, unless, of course, you make any further changes to the configuration via msconfig. But again you only need disable the notice.

Second Method

Open Windows Explorer.
Click My Computer in the list on the left of the screen.
Next click the + sign next to your C: Drive entry.
Click on the + sign next to My Documents and Settings to expand this list.
Click the + sign next to All Users to expand this list.
Next click the Start Menu folder followed by Programs and finally Start-up.
Within this folder you should see the items that start from the common start-up. if you need to add anything to start-up it needs to be copied here. Although most applications that automatically need to start-up when you boot your pc will install a link here.