How to change the order of startup items

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I have a Windows XP Pro machine that is loading my wireless connection last.
Is there a way I can set the computer to load my wireless connection in
startup prior to other items?

Thanks,
Michael
 
I found this posted by an MVP named Wes (I think I have seen it elsewhere
but cannot locate the info at this time):

Execution Order for starting programs


With Windows XP, There are 13+ places that programs can start from and
they are executed in the following order:


Before Logon
1)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnc­e
2) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices


After Logon
3)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\Setup
4) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
5) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
6) WIN.INI [Windows] Load
7) WIN.INI [Windows] Run
8) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
9) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
10) C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
or %allusersprofile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
11) C:\Documents and Settings\Your Name Here\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
or %userprofile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
12) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
13) As a Scheduled Task set to run at startup.


[[Startups in groups 6 to 11 all run at the same time (more or less).
However, the groups themselves are triggered in the order shown above. In
other words, the next group can begin launching while the previous group is
still loading its startups. Due to timing issues it is impossible to say
what order these items will finish loading, thus it is impossible to
predict the exact order of execution for individual startups. For instance,
you may notice two or more system tray icons changing position with each
boot - even when no changes have been made to the order.]]


[[The order of items within a group is not necessarily the final order, as
some programs take longer than others to load, and synchronous groups can
overlap each other.]]


Items in 10 and 11 execute alphanumerically. You can change the order in 10
and 11 by moving the items from 11 to 10. Also, you can rename the
shortcuts in 10 and/or 11.


For example; dfg.exe, fgh.exe and ghj.exe would start in that order. To
change the order rename the shortcuts to 1ghj.exe, 2dfg.exe and 3fgh.exe.
They would then start in that order.
*****************end**********

There is info in this KB article that is relevant:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314866

Hopefully this will give you enough info to experiment.
 
Michael,

Here is a repeat below of the reply I did for CharlieC two or three
messages up from you. I personally do not believe in doing anything
the hard way when there are excellent simpler ways of doing it. Using
MSCONFIG or going through the Registry is time consuming, fraught with
possible mistakes, and you do not even have an explanation of what
you're looking at. That's the geek way, and I am a geek, but I do not
recommend the geek way.

Here is my last post
================
MSCONFIG, in my opinion, is the last thing to use. It was bad in
Windows ME, it is little better in XP, and almost worse in Vista.

There are many bad, good, very good, and excellent alternatives to
MSCONFIG which are more user-friendly.

I personally use The Ultimate Troubleshooter from AnswersThatWork.com
which is in the excellent category for me. One you've used it once
you won't be able to do without it - as simple as that. Go to their
website and click on the boxshot in the left corner.

Karl




I have a Windows XP Pro machine that is loading my wireless connection
last.
Is there a way I can set the computer to load my wireless connection
in
startup prior to other items?

Thanks,
Michael
 
Back
Top