Windows XP Pro - How can I stop programs loading at start up? Several apps are loading every time and I cannot find any way of stopping them. Examples are - AdAware, HP Digital Imaging Monitor, SpyDoctor, Adobe Photo Downloader, Sony Ericsson PC Suite etc etc
Windows 98 used to have a simple startup area where you could control this, but I can't find the same thing in Windows XP. Have tried to use msconfig, but this doesn't help (apps not mentioned there.). Grateful for any help. barry.m

There are ways built into XP for this:

Start > Run > msconfig > edit the startup tab > reboot

But I have to admit I'm a complete fan of the free tool:

CCleaner

Not only is it a phenomenal system "junk" maintenance utility, it has a TOOLS section on the sidebar that includes quick easy access to:

1) Uninstall programs
2) Enable/Disable Startup programs
3) System restore

... all in one menu. That makes it the tool of choice for your need here.

Try to see if there is a startup entry somewhere within the program that will fix the behavior. If not, and it isn't present in the startup forlder (Start > Programs > Startup), and you don't see in the MSCONFIG startup tab, go out on a limb and see if it is in the MSCONFIG processes tab.

How is this different from what was already suggested?

You suggested the startup tab. Sometimes programs install themselves as a process, and are not found in either the startup tab or ccleaner's little menu. That's why I also suggested the processes tab if it was not found in either.

Well that's just nasty. I've never had a program I've installed and needed to uninstall do that, so I had no idea.

Do you have examples of programs you've had to do that with, ones the CCleaner does not list? I would definitely like to see that little nasty in action.

Well, for instance, I run AVG 9 and it does not show up in my startup tab under msconfig or ccleaner except avg_tray. The rest of the components of AVG do show up under processes however. Whether it be the linkscanner or watchdog. There are several programs that only install processes and thus will not show up in startup. If you use itunes, you can disable the startup stuff, however you will still see some processes running, like Ipod helper.

I think you're referring to the SERVICES tab... I don't see a PROCESSES tab. That's the Task Manager.

As to the OP's original question, how would you disable those process permanently so they do not run at startup? The only option I seem to have it to Disable everything. Odd that.

Duah, my fault there. Yes you are correct. That was stupid on my part.

Bummer... I was looking forward to learning something new and useful about the msconfig... CCleaner still rules for now.

I still recommend editing the services as well as the startup. Plus if it still doesn't work out then HiJackThis usually does the trick.