Removing Windows Startup Items

At times, I begin to install Windows software before deciding to cancel the installation. Usually this isn’t a problem. Sometimes though, the installer places itself into my startup items and each time I boot my computer it prompts me to finish the installation. What a pain! Fortunately, it’s not hard to fix. Here’s how.

1. Click on Start > All Programs > Startup.
2. Right-click on the item you want to remove
3. Choose Delete.
4. Windows asks you to confirm your File Delete request. Click Yes.
5. Empty your recycle bin and then restart your computer.

These steps use WinXP, but they’ll work with slight variations for any recent version of Windows. Over the next two days, I’ll post about Windows Startup Inspector and Windows Startup Monitor, two freeware items that help you take further control of your start-up items.

Die Dulci Fruere