Here are three places to look for the entry that causes Windows to run the
program:
· Startup folder Make sure that a shortcut for the program isn't in
the StartUp folder (Start | All Programs | Startup). If a shortcut for the
program is there, delete it. (Choose Start | All Programs | Startup,
right-click the item for the program, and choose Delete from the menu that
appears, or drag the program item out of the folder.)
· Win.ini Look for a line in your Win.ini file that runs the program.
The line would start with "run=" or "load=" in the windows section.
· Registry Examine the Registry for an entry that runs the program.
You can use the Registry Editor to remove the offending entry, after making
a backup of the Registry. Look in the
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RUN "hive"
(group of Registry keys), which lists programs that are run automatically.
Alternatively, choose Start | Run, type msconfig, and press ENTER to see the
System Configuration Utility. Click the Startup tab, to see a list of the
programs that run at startup. You can use this program to display and edit
the Win.ini file (but make a backup first). On the General tab, you can
choose Selective Startup to turn on Selective Startup mode, a startup mode
in which Windows asks before running each startup program. Deselecting any
item on the Startup tab automatically turns on Selective Startup.
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm
Stopping programs from running at Start up
Note you can save the registry key first by:
On the File menu, click Export.
In the File name box, type SaveKey, and then click Save.
Or create a system restore point prior to editing.
Note: If the registry key is not there, you can simply create one by going
edit > new.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;322756
HOW TO: Back Up, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows XP
Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the information provided
at your own risk.