How to add/remove software that starts up when starting computer

With Win98 I was able to shut down tasks with CRL ALT DEL and ending all but SYSTRAY & EXPLORER. I've recently been given a system running WINXP HE. I know I have tasks in background, but can't find a list. What about the PROCESSES tab? I wan't a clean start to install/remove software.

I love Computer Corner.

Thanks,

Jeff.

This question was answered on July 21, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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You need to start the computer in safe mode to successfully remove programs that start up when you normally boot up your computer.

To do so restart your computer and let it complete the Power On Self Test (aka POST).

After the POST and before you see the Windows XP logo press and hold the F8 key Holding the F8 key will bring up a menu asking if you would like to start your computer in Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking or Safe Mode with Command Prompt Select regular Safe Mode and when the computer starts up, remove the programs that you want to uninstall Then reboot normally.

If this solution does not work then you my need to access the Selective Startup option.

To do so, when in the normal windows environment (not Safe Mode), follow these steps:

Start>Run

In the Open field type: msconfig

This command will open the System Configuration Utility window.

Select the Startup tab and uncheck the program(s) that you are uninstalling After you have unchecked all the Startup Items that you do not want to start when Windows XP boots, click on Apply and then OK The system will tell you that you need to reboot for the system changes to take affect Save anything that you may have been working on and then reboot your system When the system starts up you will see a message that says Selective Startup has been enabled and it will ask if you wish to see this message each time Windows starts Use your judgement whether or not you want this message to display each time you start your computer You have now successfully stopped program(s) from starting up each time windows reboots.

Now uninstall the program(s) that you were trying to uninstall, like you normally would.

This should do the trick.

About the author

Posted by sean of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on July 21, 2004

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