Tech question for the computer literate

[paladinkc]

I have a problem with my pc, I have windows ME, I like it, I have pretty few problems with it, but I have a problem with after uninstalling a program, sometimes I cannot get it out of the startup programs under msconfig, can someone tell me how to remove the programs that are there in msconfig at the startup, there are some things that I want to get rid of that are no longer there. thanks for any help you can lend

[ShadowAce]

You may like ME, but I would suggest an upgrade. It is the single worst (overall) OS that MS has ever created. If you want to stay with Windows, I'd suggest 2000. If you're concerned about compatibility issues, then go to 98SE.

[boris]

Mostly agree. I'd say go with Windows XP.

[TommyDale]

I have every version ever made by Microsoft. I think ME is the worst they ever released, with the exception of DOS 4.0.

Even though XP is okay, I still prefer Windows 2000 Professional.

[evilC]

I presume that you have already unchecked them from msconfig. Unchecked items will not run but do linger in the list. If you are concerned about them staying in the list then read on.

The easiest way might be to download Startup Control Panel. I have never used it, but it looks like it might do what you need. It also saves you messing about in the registry, however .....

If you don't mind messing with the registry you can try the following procedure to manually remove entries:

Start
   Run
      Type: regedit and then hit enter.

Go to (you navigate just like file directories)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  Software
    Microsoft
      Windows
        CurrentVersion
          Run (or RunOnce, OneOnceEx, RunServices, RunServicesX, RunX)
[Programs may appear under one of these keys.
 If you have unchecked them they should not appear under
 Run, RunOnce or RunServices]

Backup the existing values.
Click on the "run" (or "RunOnce" etc.) file icon and choose Registry, then Export Registry File. You will see a file save box. Click Selected Branch under the Export Range area. Choose a location and name for your backup file and click Save.

For each key ("Run" and RunOnce" etc.) you should see a list of programs the same as those under the msconfig startup tab in the right-hand pane. Right-click on the programs you do not need anymore and choose "Delete".

Of course, you only need backup branches if you are changing them.

Changing registry values can cause serious problems. It is possible that deleting or changing a wrong value could mean that your machine will not restart.
evilC^TM accepts no liability for the use of the information above

If you are not comfortable changing the registry then just try the software I listed. While the procedure outlined above should be safe there is a small chance that one of the entries you delete could cause problems. However, if you are certain that the program is no longer needed and has already been disabled (in msconfig) then removing the entries should be OK.