Windows 2k help (startup)

[Treejumps 0]

Hello computer peeps. I'm trying to clean up my Mom's computer. The grandkids have downloaded so much crap (games, messengers, spyware, etc) that her computer is at a crawl. At startup, at least 15 different program start and show up in the tray. I can't seem to find the startup file to delete all the un-needed programs. I find lots of files called startup, but none seem to be the correct ones.

Thanks for your help.

• Quote

[AggieDave 6]

That's because its all done in the registry, not a startup file like with Win 3.x. If you didn't realize that, then I would NOT recommend you messing with the registry. Its very easy to uber-fuck a computer that way.

You can download programs to do it for you.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[cvfd1399 0]

If it is like the other MS Os systems, go to run type msconfig and hit enter. A box will pop up, click on the last tab called startup. Look through the programs and uncheck them if you know they are games, meggenger programs ect. If you are unsure copy the name down and google it. That will tell you if you need it or not. Then click ok and restart.

[Treejumps 0]

Where and what programs?

Thanks

[DeepThought 0]

If you are feeling brave run regedt32.
the key you are looking for is
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

In here is a list of progs that run at startup.

also check
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

Delete anything you dont want to run.
Beaware though, if you messup, there is no forgivness.

And there are jobs with obscure names that need to run.

--------------------------------------------------
You only have one life, make the most of it.

[AggieDave 6]

I don't know whats out there right now, if you google around or go to something like tucows or download.com you'll find a lot of Registry cleaners, sweepers, automatic editors, etc. You'll also want to get some spyware killers, cleaners, etc.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Thanatos340 1]

Goto ad/remove software in the control panel and uninstall anything that you do not know what it is.

Then Run MSCONFIG. (Start, Run, Type in MSCONFIG) (May not work for NT based Operating Systems)

This will allow you to control what is loaded at startup.

There are several Utilities you can get from Downloads.com. I have used Ace Utilities 2.5 before and found it VERY useful. You can download a functional 30 day trial free.

Finally, Run Adaware and remove all the spyware.

[Treejumps 0]

Thanks again.

I found Registry Cleaner. I already got her Spy Sweeper, and it ofund over 30 spyware programs. No wonder they had pop ups every 10 seconds.

[Salsa_John 0]

run adaware too. http://www.lavasoft.de

and

Symantec's remote system checker

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=22&pkj=ZQYYOLROCYAREWTXLGI

run the virus scan. it checks for spyware too.

make sure you back up your registry before you make any changes. regedit -> export registry todaysdate.reg

go into system tools run the create emergency repair disk from the backup utility. make sure you check the back up registry to the repair directory box.

edited to add

install the google toolbar to prevent popups http://toolbar.google.com/?promo=mor-tb-en

Install the recovery console utility


good luck

"You did what?!?!"

MUFF #3722, TDSM #72, Orfun #26, Nachos Rodriguez

[Guest]

Quote

Its very easy to uber-fuck a computer that way.

That's a new term for my lexicon...

Actually, the content of the registry can be displayed in Win3x style (sysedit), but in my experience, it's not as effective as opening the Registry (regedit) itself.

BTW - if it's as bad as you say, it might be more efficient to just flatten the box and reload.

mh

.

"The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat."

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

Actually, the content of the registry can be displayed in Win3x style (sysedit),

Yes, but all in all the sysedit has proven (atleast in my experience) to be just about as useful as tits on a coffee table.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[PhreeZone 20]

Run a combo of the Microsoft Spyware tool: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=90&p=&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&genscs=&u=http%3a%2f%2fdownload.microsoft.com%2fdownload%2f8%2f1%2f5%2f815d2d60-49b5-44dc-ae35-fca2f2c6f0cc%2fMicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5[/url] Adaware AND a virus scanner that is updated.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

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