i've already diabled theprograms from the '.ini'. however, each time i boot
up, i get all those dialog boxes, and the changes are not complete. guess i
will have to go with the registry editing alternative. however, con you
explain why, if i wish to make permanent changes, it is still necessary to
backup the registry file?? i've done similar things before without backing
up with no adverse effects. guess i will do it this time [must read
instructions, as i've no idea how to do this, but i guess it's not a bad
idea...].

thanks, all, for all of your assistance--
allyson

"TaurArian [MVP]" wrote:

> Stopping Programs from Running at Startup
>
> Here are three places to look for the entry that causes Windows to run the program:
>
> Startup folder Make sure that a shortcut for the program isn't in the StartUp folder
> (Start | All Programs | Startup). If a shortcut for the program is there, delete it.
> (Choose Start | All Programs | Startup, right-click the item for the program, and
> choose Delete from the menu that appears, or drag the program item out of the
> folder.)
>
> Win.ini Look for a line in your Win.ini file that runs the program. The line would
> start with "run=" or "load=" in the windows section.
>
> Registry Examine the Registry for an entry that runs the program. You can use the
> Registry Editor to remove the offending entry, after making a backup of the Registry.
> Look in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\RUN "hive"
> (group of Registry keys), which lists programs that are run automatically.
> HOW TO: Back Up, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;322756
> Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to
> reinstall your operating system. Use the information provided at your own risk.
>
> Alternatively, choose Start | Run, type msconfig, and press ENTER to see the System
> Configuration Utility. Click the Startup tab, to see a list of the programs that run
> at startup. You can use this program to display and edit the Win.ini file (but make a
> backup first). On the General tab, you can choose Selective Startup to turn on
> Selective Startup mode, a startup mode in which Windows asks before running each
> startup program. Deselecting any item on the Startup tab automatically turns on
> Selective Startup.
>
>
> Information :-
> http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
> All about disabling programs at startup
> http://www.answersthatwork.com/Taskl...s/tasklist.htm
>