68. How Do I Remove Obsolete Entries From The Startup Tab Of The System Configuration Utility

Many applications start running when windows boots up. There are times when these application conflict with others and it is necessary to disable the application via the System Configuration Utility.

At other times an application is installed and then uninstalled after you have found that the application is not suitable for the purpose you want. If an entry has been added by Windows in The System Configuration Utility on the Start Tab the entry, even though you have removed the application, will still remain. Here is a way of getting rid of obsolete entries on the Start Up Tab.

NOTE

Before proceeding to edit the Registry be sure to make a backup copy. (see 662. How do I backup the Registry in Windows XP ).

Click Start button.
On the Start menu click Run.
In the Run dialog box type: regedit.
The Registry Editor window will now open.
First navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
In the Right Hand Pane of the Run option you will see a list of applications.
Look through them and see if the application you want to remove is listed.
If it is listed Right Click on the application entry and, from the drop down menu, select Delete.
The application will now be deleted from the list.
Next navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Once again look down the list in the Right Hand Pane and see if the application you want to remove is listed.
If you find the application in the list Right Click on it and, from the drop down menu, click Delete.
The application entry will now be deleted.
If you can't find the application entry you require in the registry keys above, next go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Startupreg
Look in the Right Hand pane and see if the application is listed.
If the application is in the list Right Click on it and, from the drop down menu, click Delete.
The application entry will now be deleted.
Finally click File on the Main Toolbar and, from the drop down menu, click Exit to exit the Registry editor.