computer question

[mfinn]

How can I stop certain preloaded software programs from loading when my laptop boots? Windows XP.
In Windows 98 you could go to start- run- and type in a command ( I forgot what) and you would get a list of programs that you could stop from loading.
I'm hoping this feature still exists in XP.
Anybody?

When I try to use Windows to uninstall (in the add/remove programs) the program, I get a error message that a file is missing and it cannot uninstall.
Help.

 

[big t]

the term you are looking for Marty is 'msconfig' You can do the same thing w/ xp

 

[mfinn]

I knew it was something simple.
Thankx

 

[wrightme43]

A hammer works too. Its kinda permanent but it works every time. LOL

 

[mfinn]

A hammer works too. Its kinda permanent but it works every time. LOL

I think a 5lb. hammer would do very well:badgrin:
Trying to uninstall preloaded McAfee antivirurs from a Dell laptop. Went through Windows uninstaller. There was an error. Now, part of it's there and won't uninstall, and get an error message when the pc boots.
Thought I could stop it from loading using msconfig, but it still does.
Dell now has a fee based software service. Spent 5-1/2 hours on the phone with a hardware problem yesterday.

 

[jdougal]

Finn, If msconfig doesn't get you what you want, Look in the registry here HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. This key took over most of the work that autoexec.bat and config.sys used to do in Win98 & older.

A warning. You mess up the registry, you may as well reinstall the OS.

 

[mfinn]

I don't think I would want to mess with the registry.
My wife bought this laptop, but didn't order the drivers/utilities/reinstall disks.( I guess it's a dell thing to charge for stuff you should get, when you buy a pc).
So I have to order the disks ($50) so I can do a simple task like reinstalling a standalone program like mcafee.
Dell will give software support on a brand new computer for $240 a year, with a maximum of 4 problems, or $100 for a one time issue.
Nice huh?

 

[jdougal]

Not trying to scare you, just a word of caution not to go deleting everything in that key. If your trying to stop an application from loading everytime you start the OS, there is a good chance the app will be listed in this key and you just need to delete that entry. Simple Huh . Just curious, what are you trying to stop from loading?

 

[mfinn]

McAfee Security Center and all the programs with it. Antivirus, firewall, etc.
I tried to use the Windows uninstaller to do all. Half way through the uninstall, got an error message saying it could not complete the task.
Tried to do it again, same thing. Now when the pc boots, get 2 error messages saying that mcafee didn't finish booting and to reinstall mcafee.
Don't have the install disk. Really don't want it on the computer at all and I really don't want the error messages. No telling what the total problems will be.
So, I ordered the drivers/utillities/reinstall disks from Dell.
I figured that if I could go into the startup menu and stop it from loading, all would be good. But even though I uncheck all the programs that said McAfee next to it, something still trys to load the programs.

 

[jdougal]

WOW. That is a mess! We don't use McAfee here at my work so I can't offer how to completely remove it. But if I remember correctly, all of the apps McAfee uses are listed in the reg key I posted earlier and deleting the entry will stop them from trying to start.

The route you have chosen is the best one. Use Dell's disks to reinstall and then uninstall all McAfee as a first attempt. Then if that does you no good and your up for it, the whole OS. enjoy.

 

[mfinn]

I have also been tempted to try a third party uninstaller.