[Ham-Computers] RE: Windows storage location

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

The "disabled" entries are all in the Windows registry.  The location depends on the version of Windows:

In Win98/ME:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run-

In WinXP:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig

There are several folders in here depending on the type of entry that was disabled - a Service, a Startup Folder item, or a Registry Run item.  If you delete the entry from the appropriate folder, it will no longer show up in MSCONFIG.


Might I suggest an alternative?  MSCONFIG is easy to use, but it can also make things more difficult (as you've realized).  Instead of using MSCONFIG, if you are willing to edit the registry, this is what I do:

First, you'll need to re-enable all the "disabled" entries in MSCONFIG (use MSCONFIG and select "Normal Startup").  Then goto this registry location:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

In here are all the apps that start with Windows that either 1) aren't services, or 2) aren't in the "Startup" folder.  There will be a "value" name for each run entry and it should correspond to the name of the app that's starting.  Double-click the one you wish to disable and it will allow you to modify the path of the startup.  Put a colon (":") in front of the path to effectively prevent the item from starting.  I also rename the item with a colon in front so it sorts to the top of the list.

Because of the colon (":"), Windows can't find the file so it doesn't start.  By renaming the item, you can easily find it on the top of the Run list.  Also, if an app automatically re-adds the entry, you can find it in the same place (the "Run" branch) rather than seperate places (as with MSCONFIG).  Just be careful as Registry editing is a one-time deal.

Another option is to use a 3rd party utility.  I like Hijackthis (http://www.merijn.org) as it also shows browser hooks and other items that MSCONFIG doesn't show.  However, Hijackthis is oblivious to what is "good" or "bad", so be sure of what you want to delete.  Luckily, it creates a backup of entries deleted, but depending on what's deleted, you may not be able to start Windows easily to do the restore.


And, to re-iterate, please be careful when editing the Registry or using Hijackthis!


73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of jandlmiller at bellsouth.net
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 11:35 AM
To: ham-computers at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Windows storage location

When using Start/Run/msconfig/startup tab there appear a number of entries.  Some can (and probably should) be unchecked to lessen the junque our machines do not need.  Usually this reduction of burden allows our machines to process faster, although it may be a lab measurement and not too obvious to our eyes.

A path for each entry is presented.  Following this path should get you to the respective target.

Some unchecked entries recheck themselves upon another bootup.  Some duplicate an entirely new entry with a check mark upon another bootup, leaving the unchecked entry as a duplicate.

Once an entry is unchecked, how can it be removed?

John W0IKT