Windows XP Autostart - Remove hidden Autostart programs

Windows XP Autostart: Programs and drivers are simply placed in the Autostart folder after installation and appear every time the system is started. This can be useful in many cases, but is often annoying, as you can open the program when you need it by double-clicking on it. Above all, however, memory and processor resources are eaten up, which are then no longer available for other applications.

So it is always advisable to use Start > All programs > Autostart to check this folder and delete anything superfluous if necessary. This will also speed up the loading process.

But what if this folder is already empty and some programs are still stored in the bottom right-hand corner of the taskbar, for example? These programs are stored in a hidden Autostart folder in the Windows registry. You do not need to go there directly to prevent these programs from starting. Proceed as follows:

Remove programs from Windows XP Autostart

1. Click on Start > Execute and type msconfig in the line that appears. After you have confirmed with Enter, a program appears.

2. Click on the tab System start. You will now see a list of all automatically starting programs that you can deactivate (if you uncheck the box).

3. In many cases, the entries here are different, so I can't write a list of those that are coming away. However, as a precaution, deactivate one each time and restart. If something does not work, you can reset it again.

4. Click on OK and then to Restart.

Important note: 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 XP 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.