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How add program launch at startup?

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by robls99, 2005/07/31.

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  1. 2005/07/31
    robls99 Lifetime Subscription

    robls99 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    How do I add an .exe XP program to launch at startup? I added the shortcut to the StartUp folder in both the Administrator and All Users folders under Docs and Settings but that doesn't work.

    Also none of the above StartUp folders show the many programs that DO launch at startup such as found in the MSCONFIG SartUp tab.

    What am I missing here?

    thanks
     
  2. 2005/07/31
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Documents & Settings > Username > Start Menu > Programs > Startup - File > New > Shortcut. Browse to the .exe file you want to run and follow the wizard through.
    Nothing :) As you have discovered a number of programs which start on boot do not appear here.
     

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  4. 2005/07/31
    robls99 Lifetime Subscription

    robls99 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Wow! Thanks for the speedy reply. I'll give it a try.

    Have a great week.
     
  5. 2005/08/01
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

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    robls99--To see most of the programs that start at boot, simultaneously click Control+Alt+Delete, and go to Processes tab right after you boot.

    The places from which most programs start in XP are:

    1) Start|Run|type Msconfig|OK|Startup tab

    2) Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder

    3) Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder

    in the Registry at:

    4) HK_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

    5) HK_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices

    6) HK_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

    7) HK_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
     
    Last edited: 2005/08/01
  6. 2005/08/01
    robls99 Lifetime Subscription

    robls99 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks, I'll check out those locations.

    Rob
     
  7. 2005/08/05
    Uncle Buck Lifetime Subscription

    Uncle Buck Well-Known Member

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    Program launch at startup

    This thread brings up a question I've always wondered: Where is the preferred place from which to launch startup programs? eg: StartUp Folder, HK_Local_Machine, HK_Current_User, etc.

    Is there any one place that will allow assured startup program launch with it's corresponding task bar icon?

    Uncle Buck
     
  8. 2005/08/05
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

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    Startup works fine and is probably easier than messing directly with the registry.

    Is there any one place that will allow assured startup program launch with it's corresponding task bar icon?

    Not quite sure what you are asking here.
     
    Newt,
    #7
  9. 2005/08/05
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

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    Uncle Buck--Most of the non-Windows programs that start at boot on my PC are those in HK_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    (or the HKCU equivalent). Only a couple are in the StartUp folder.
    The MS programs (system programs) are probably in the various .ini files, .sys files, .bat files, Services, etc. and I suspect should not be messed with.
    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial44.html
    However, if you want to add a program to start at boot then the StartUp folder is probably as good a place as any to try putting a shortcut for it as PeteC has suggested. Or you can program a command to permit this.
     
  10. 2005/08/06
    Uncle Buck Lifetime Subscription

    Uncle Buck Well-Known Member

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    What is the difference, in operation/loading, between putting non-MS launch programs in:

    HK_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

    or

    Startup ?
     
  11. 2005/08/06
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

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    I'm not sure. Possibly a difference in when during the startup routine the reg 'run' stuff starts vs. the stuff in the startup folder.

    Why?
     
  12. 2005/08/06
    Uncle Buck Lifetime Subscription

    Uncle Buck Well-Known Member

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    As a retired engineer, I guess I will always wonder w-h-y. :)

    Thanks to everyone for their ideas and feedback.

    Regards,
    Uncle Buck
     
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