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Windows 98 - Deactivate the hidden autostart programs

November 25, 2013
Updated: December 16, 2021
Quick overview:

Office applications, drivers, virus scanners, download managers or annoying auxiliary programs. They all have one thing in common: nesting in the autostart. This means that they load automatically every time Windows starts up, which significantly delays system startup and can also reduce performance reserves.

A virus scanner usually consumes so many resources that it is hardly possible to work properly. Many problems also arise from the many programs being loaded, which is why it is advisable to free the system from all unnecessary autostart ballast.

Deactivating hidden autostart programs - this is how you proceed

1. Click on Start/Execute and type in the command line msconfig in.

2. Now switch to the tab Autostart and uncheck all unimportant programs that you do not need at system startup. Most of the programs can then be loaded individually later, so that your system always remains clean and fast.

3. After the required restart (if you click on OK you will notice that your system is ready to work more quickly and that using Windows is much faster and more stable. However, I strongly recommend the entry ScanRegistry as this reduces and optimizes the Windows registry data bank.

Important note msconfig

In many cases, not even msconfig recognize all autostart entries, which is why they cannot be removed. I therefore advise you to use the Registration for programs that start automatically! This allows you to remove stubborn, hidden entries such as the Audigy 2 sound card welcome video, dialers, viruses or other embedded tools, which not only helps to speed up system startup and free up resources, but can also ensure system security. Click here:

- Deactivate the hidden autostart programs (Windows 2000)

Since Windows 2000 has no msconfig I only offered the registration method, which I now also recommend for Windows 98 and all other operating systems.

NOTE FOR NEW PUBLICATION: This article was produced by Sandro Villinger and comes from the Windows Tweaks archive, which has been built up since the late 1990s.

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in 2001, his helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (at the time Sandro looked like this). He then went on to write for international publications such as PC-Praxis, Computerbild, PCWorld in the USA, IMTEST.de and Hifi.de. Sandro's main job is as Global Product Marketing Lead and Consultant for various global tech companies, including Microsoft, AVG, Avast, Nero, TeamViewer, Swiss IT Security Group and now currently in the fintech sector for Gendigital. But he can't get rid of his passion and shares his tweaks here again. Privately, he enjoys traveling the world and loves Asia, especially Japan, Singapore and Korea, but also natural places like Iceland and the Nordics. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.

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