How to keep programs from starting? 1

[baxwink]

My son has downloaded a bunch of junk from the internet on his computer and now it seems to have a problem starting up. Apparently it is trying to start some programs automatically from startup. I need to know how to remove these from startup. I've looked in the startup file and don't see them. I've also looked in the add/remove software and can't find these programs. I seem to remember from quite some time ago that there is a place that you can go into and select what you want to run on bootup but I can't remember where. This is on a Win 98 machine. Thanks for any help.

 

[deklin]

In windows 98 click on start, programs, accessories, system tools, system information.

Once in there click on Tools (at the top) and select system configuration utility.

Now click on the startup tab and anything that is checked is starting up with your pc

Good luck

Deklin

 

[SESaskDFC]

Howdy:

Go to Start>Run and type in msconfig Click on the startup tab..

However, just based on what you are saying, I suggest you download a program called "Ad-Aware" (just do a search for it).. Willing to bet your son has installed Comet Cursor, Gator and probably Kazaa.. All of those programs are nothing but spyware and trojan havens..

Install Ad-Aware and run it and delete EVERYTHING it finds including the above mentioned programs.

Murray

 

[cdogg]

You can get ad-aware from here:

http://download.com.com/3000-2094-10121984.html?tag=lst-0-1

You'll want to do a deep scan in your registry as well as your C:\ drive. I recommend backing up your registry before making any changes however. Do this:

1) Start->Run, type regedit /e C:\RegBackup_today's date.reg where "today's date" should be self explanatory.

2) After you hit OK, you'll see an hour glass for a few seconds. Once it goes away, you should now have a .REG file on your C:\ drive. It's a direct copy of your system registry. If you ever need to restore it, simply double-click it.


Also, follow the msconfig advice above to monitor what programs are starting with Windows. Instead of just disabling them, you'll want to remove them altogether. Just post back if you have any other questions.


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

You have my sympathy since I've had to do this a number of times on my son's PC. His favourite was BONZIBUDDY, a hideous looking ape that pretends to talk with you and take you via the wizardry of electronics to it's chosen web site that will sell you anything from a pin to a helicopter.

All the above from the tekkies is bang on, and if I recall correctly, last time I did a REGEDIT search for these evil programmes, they hid behind other names too. For example BONZIBUDDY had references to it under BB, just to make it more difficult.

A lot of kids now are using MESSENGER to keep in touch with their friends. Just recently I've spent hours looking for culprits to corrupt registries and failure to shutdown, and on every occasion MESSENGER was the cause. That is not to say that MESSENGER always causes problem, but it seems that it along with other programmes produces catastrophies.

Good luck with the eradication process, but if it fails, there's always the format command to fall back on.

Regards
Phil
Cogito sumere potum alterus

 

[baxwink]

Thanks all for the help. I was able to use the info given and straighten everything ou. However I have a friend who has the same problem only he is running Windows XP pro. I was going to try and help him only XP doesn't have the tab to allow you to uncheck. How do I do it with XP? Thanks.

 

[PAndersen]

MSCONFIg in XP Pro has the uncheck option. Maybe you must login as administrator. To completely remove startup entries, see thread779-402191.