Many Windows users are unaware that some software vendors have there applications load at startup by adding a registry value or adding them to the startup folder on there system.  They do this so that there software loads quickly when selected, but the fact is – it doesn’t make a difference except that it loads every time the computer is started.

Over a period of time it will make your fast computer seem very sluggish and much slower, compared to the first time you ever used it.

How to disable programs from running at startup

Some programs like MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger have an option to turn off this setting by going through the preferences and option menus, but unfortunately not all software has this option.

To disable programs from running in the background when you’re not using them is not that hard. It can be done three different ways.

  1. Start -> Programs -> Startup Folder
  2. By running Regedit under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run
  3. Or by running MSCONFIG, which is available for Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP or Vista.

MSCONFIG is my personal preference since it allows you to toggle them back on again in case you make a mistake or turned something off that you’re system needs.

I also suggest turning one off at a time, that way you can identify the entry incase you need to turn it back on.

How to run MSCONFIG

  1. Go to Start -> Run -> and Type MSCONFIG and hit ok
  2. The System Configuration Utility screen should popup.
    System Configuration Screen
  3. Next select the Startup Tab
  4. Remove the checkmark from the software you wish to disable from startup.
    System Configuration Screen
  5. Next click apply and then OK.
  6. You will be prompt to reboot your computer to save the changes, select YES.
  7. Once the computer has rebooted, you will receive a notification Screen. “Just select hide this dialogue and hit ok”

How can I tell if I got programs running in the background?

One easy way to tell is by looking at how many icons are in your system tray by the clock. If you have a large number then unnecessary resources are being used.

You may also have noticed a much longer boot time then past experiences.

Running MSCONFIG to disable all of those unnecessary programs will make your computer much faster, more stable and boot up much quicker.

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