How to identify an auto-start program/service(?) ?

[David F]

Using Win 2K + SP4.


I installed an application (FaxTalk) that came with a modem.
It starts automatically.
I don't see any hint about it in the Startup folder nor can I identify any
service from the list of services that I could relate to this application.
Is there another way to auto start an application \ service (I don't know if
what starts automatically is a service or not) ?
Else, if it must be a service under some cripted description, how to
identify / correlate that service ?

Thanks,
David

 

[John John]

There are four Run keys in the NT registry that cause programs to be run
automatically.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Also, services (for NT) will be in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services. (I don't
recommend that you go there trying to turn off services unless you
really understand the key structure).

In addition, programs can be automatically started at boot via logon
scripts or batch files. They can be invoked via shortcuts or by being
placed in the Startup Folders (Current User and All Users). They can be
started at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Userinit, Task Scheduler, and I'm sure I'm
forgetting a few other start places.

There are several ways of dealing with these autostart programs, via the
programs themselves, via registry edits or with the aid of helper
applications. The preferred method is to go in the programs themselves
and turn off the autostart option. The well written and graceful
programs always give an option to be turned off at boot. It's the not
so well written or graceful programs that present a bit of a difficulty
as they can be hidden in in the other startup places. IF that is the
case then you can look in the 4 keys mentioned above and see if you can
disable them from there. If you can't at the reg keys then look in the
Services management console and see if you can set the associated
service to "Manual" start instead of "Auto". Check the Startup Folders
and delete the entries if there.

If you still are having difficulties then the helper application will
come in handy. I recommend the following:

CodeStuff Starter: http://members.lycos.co.uk/codestuff/
Sysinternals Autoruns:
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/autoruns.shtml

You can also download XP msconfig from the internet and place it in your
System32 folder and use it to look at/disable the startup entries.

John

 

[Dean Wells [MVP]]

Select Start --> Run --> MSCONFIG ... click the startup tab (review the
remaining tabs).

 

[John John]

Sorry, no such thing in Windows 2000. Thanks to Bruce Chambers try this
instead:

- Right Click "My Computer"
- Click on "Manage"
- Expand "Software Environment"
- Click "Startup Programs"

or...try autoruns by Sysinternals.

MVP's should know that msconfig is not a Windows 2000 utility.

John

 

[Dean Wells [MVP]]

Sorry, no such thing in Windows 2000. Thanks to Bruce Chambers try

this instead:

My apologies, I should have read the post more thoroughly.

MVP's should know that msconfig is not a Windows 2000 utility.

Your tone is offensive and unnecessary, I was simply trying to help and
made a mistake. Consider how others perceive your comments before
posting.

 

[John John]

Your tone is offensive and unnecessary, I was simply trying to help and
made a mistake. Consider how others perceive your comments before
posting.

I apologize, I am truly am sorry! I should have thought of my reply
before I posted it. I can only hope that you may forgive my reply and
that we may collaborate in the future, I have much to learn.

Please accept my apology. As for msconfig, it can be downloaded from
any place on the Internet and placed in the Windows 2000 system32 folder
and it will behave like any Windows 2000 native application.

I regret my error, and I can only hope that you might forgive my lapse
in judgment.

John

 

[Dean Wells [MVP]]

I very much appreciate your words, consider it forgotten.

 

[Dean Wells [MVP]]

I appreciate your words, please consider it forgotten.

 

[John John]

Thank you Dean. I have learned much from you tonight. You are very kind.

Regards;

John

 

[David F]

I appreciate much the prompt and plenty of help all the responders provided
me.
It is the first time I posted in this newsgroup and already learned a lot.

Many thanks,
David