Services/Programs load BEFORE log in...

I've got a 98 machine, non SE.
When you boot up, before user login, Solitaire loads and Microsoft System Information loads.
I've looked in MSCONFIG, the Statup folder, I've looked in WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI and the registry and can't find where these programs get called to load. There appears to be nothing in MSCONFIG, nothing in the Startup folder and nothing in win.ini or system.ini. All searches for MSINFO.EXE and SOL.EXE in the registry turn up nothing that looks like a load call on boot up.
Can someone point me in the direction of finding where these services/programs get called to load so I can remove them?

 

Have a look in msconfig and see if it is set to process the autoexec.bat and config.sys files. Also see if the Solitaire and MS Info is called it the autoexec file. Win98 does not need the autoexec and config files so you could uncheck (if checked) and reboot to see if this fixes your problem.

 

Joe,

You may like startup.exe to see everything that starts at boot.

 

I failed to mention I had already checked AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS...
nothing of interest there...

I will try this STARTUP program and report back.

(I have already run HIJACKTHIS and figured it'd show me hidden starts but it showed nothing either...hopefully STARTUP.EXE will!)

 

Just tried STARTUP and it showed nothing more than HIJACKTHIS did.
And still, nothing relating to MSINFO and SOL!

I'll mention too, again that these two programs pop up before the Microsoft Networking password dialog pops up and before most of the tray icons pop up when their software is loaded.

Anyone else have any ideas?

(Note: compaq easy access buttons is loading and no, neither of these programs are tied to a key press)

 

This may be another shot in the dark but try Startup Cop . It's a freeware utility that may do the trick.

Keep in touch.

 

OK all, I'm an idiot! Been on XP systems too long...
FORGOT about TASK SCHEDULER!!! Sure enough, 2 listings...SOL.EXE and MSINFO.EXE!

But thanks for the replies...I was turned on to a small but effective STARTUP.EXE program! Takes the hassle out of MSCONFIG message popups for and on startup!