How do I prevent seldom used programs from starting every time I turn on the computer?

Hi and welcome to D-A-L.

How do I prevent seldom used programs from starting

It depends on how they are loaded. Probably the best way is to open the options menu for each of the programs in question, and disable the option to "Start with Windows".

Unfortunately, not all programs show that option.

Click on Start > All Programs > Startup to see what is being loaded that way. Those are simply shortcuts to the programs and can be deleted without uninstalling the programs.

Then you can also use MSCONFIG to stop programs and services from starting when Windows boots, but in reality, that is for troubleshooting and temporary purposes, and changes made there can result in a computer that does not boot. So I would suggest if the first two options above don't work, you post back with specifics about which programs you still wish to disable.

Originally Posted by ejosephr

How do I prevent seldom used programs from starting every time I turn on the computer?

I use WinPatrol, have only four startup programs, any others are in delayed start. You may like to read up about it as it is one of my favorites and so small it does not leave a large footprint at all.

WinPatrol's goal is to help you better understand what programs are running on your computer and to alert you to any new programs added without your permission.

Oh, and it is FREE

See what you think.

kind regards,