subject: Editing Registry to Remove Startup Programs [print this page] Editing Registry to Remove Startup Programs
It seems as if almost every program I install wants to cram some sort of a "quick launch" application into your taskbar. While it's true that modern computers usually have enough RAM to accommodate all of those applications that sit in your taskbar, there's really no reason for most of them to be launched at system startup (and slow down your computer by doing so).
Here's a quick and dirty guide for removing such annoyances from starting up automatically. You probably already know how to remove them if the program lodges itself in the Startup folder (Start > Programs > Startup) - in this case merely removing the shortcut is enough. But what if the sneak hides itself in the registry?
Some people use msconfig (Start > Run > msconfig) to manage their startup programs. This is a wrong approach because it causes msconfig.exe to start every single time with your OS, manage the startup programs and then close. It is useful for debugging purposes only since it actually increases the loading time.
The best way to do it that does not requires any additional software is through the regedit tool. Press Start > Run > type in "regedit" (no quotes) and press Enter to launch it. Now, the most autorun entries are usually found in two places:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Run
And:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Run
In 64-bit Windows, you will also find:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Wow6432Node > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Run
And:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Wow6432Node > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Run
To check where exactly the autorun program that you want to disable is located, you can use the aforementioned msconfig tool. Do not disable the program through msconfig however - simply check the location of the registry key that starts the application, then use regedit to remove it.
To remove a certain key (such as Winamp Agent, Java update, Open Office quicklaunch and other unneeded junk) simply select it with your mouse, right click and choose Delete.
Warning: always back up your registry (File > Export) before modifying it, and make sure to disable only programs that you are positive you do not need. Programs that should not be disabled are your firewall, antivirus monitor, various drivers and such (unless you are absolutely sure you do not want them to load).
Repair, optimize and defragment your system registry using the best registry fixer and you will notice improved system stability & performance.
