How to keep unnecessary programs from starting up in Windows:

Click Start
Click Run
Type msconfig and click ok
Go to Selective Startup
Then hit the tab marked Startup

These are a list of programs that startup automatically when you turn on your computer.

Keep any programs checked which keep your computer running safely and smoothly (virus-protection, firewall, spyware or pop-up blocker, etc.).

You may uncheck the programs you don't need running continuously (real-player, adobe, yahoo messenger). This will speed up your computer, and free up memory and system resources.

If you have Windows 98 : you MUST have the following boxes checked at all times:

General, Config.sys, Autoexec.bat, System.ini, Win.ini, and Startup.


If you have Windows ME (Millennium) you should have the following boxes checked at all times:

General, System.ini, Win.ini, Startup, Environment, International.

If you have Windows 95 or Windows 2000 go HERE to download msconfig before continuing.


The only programs you need checked are the ones which keep XP running safely and smoothly (virus-protection, firewall, spyware or pop-up blocker, etc.). You may uncheck the programs you don't need running continuously (real-player, adobe, yahoo messenger). This will speed up your computer, and free up memory and system resources.

If your'e not sure what the startup items are click here.