program file opens when i boot up win xp

[flt123]

this prob started all of a sudden
when i boot up my computer it opens up my program files and i cant stop it any ideas please ive tried looking in start up its not there

[heretic422]

Before I give you this advice, I am not responsible if you hose your machine in trying this. If you do this, it is at your own risk and while not difficult, if done carelessly, can damage your system's functionality. Check other sources before trying this.


If you're comfortable hacking your registry, check:

HKLM | Software | Microsoft | Windows (regardless of the version you're running) | Current Version | Run and RunOnce and RunOnceEx, that's three different keys.

Anything in these keys or entries, loads at startup. Could be some misbehaving program or spyware or failed install left this artifact there. Look up how to edit your registry on M$'s site, then make changes. I also suggest that you backup your registry and familiarize yourself with how to restore it in case of failure.

Good luck.

[flt123]

hi heretic422
thanks for the advice and i took a look in the regedit
but the folder thats opening on startup isnt in there
i looked in all 3

im getting desperate

[pacmania_2001]

I don't know how much this can help but as heretic422 said, the problem could relate to spyware. I would recommend downloading Ad Aware (www.lavasoftusa.de I believe) and running it.

Worth a try because even if it doesn't solve the problem you can then cross off spyware from being the cause.

[i_am_dave]

You have probably already tried this, but have you looked in your programs\startup folder to see if anything new has been added lately?

EDIT---

Sorry, just re-read your post and noticed that you have already looked in startup.

[flt123]

hi pacmania_2001
i downloaded a spyware checker and got rid of loads of spy ware but still same prob

i_am_dave
i checked my startup and nothing there either

thanks

[i_am_dave]

flt123,

a couple of thoughts:
Which program files are opening?
Does it do this also in Safe Mode?
Which applications does the task manager show?

[racer-x]

Down load RegCleaner http://www.webattack.com/get/regcleaner.shtml
It's free and works great. No need to install, jast rune EXE. Click on Startup tab. This shows all programs that run at startup. Select the ones you don't want and click Remove. It's that simple and works great.

[flt123]

i_am_dave
its opening up
c:/program files
im new to xp and dont know how to start it in safe mode to check that



racer dave
i downloaded reg cleaner (got rid of some unwanted start up programs) but the main one isnt there

[i_am_dave]

I am not sitting in front of my XP system at the moment, but that almost sounds like a feature.

Check some of your XP settings. I will investigate later tonight if you are still seeing problems

[flt123]

i_am_dave
i would be gratefull for the help thanks a lot im at a loss

[i_am_dave]

flt123,

Sorry to say that I could not get my XP system to reproduce what you are seeing.


I guess I'm stumped on this one.

[freak_in_cage_10k]

to boot up in xp keep tapping away at F8 (or maybe F9?? i just do both lol) that shuld ive u the menu, unless your bought your pc from dell etc it may be different, but if it is it shuld say on the screen what to press

[pacmania_2001]

I don't have Windows XP so I am only guessing as to whether these files still exist, but could command lines in the system.ini and win.ini be causing the program files to open up?

[pacmania_2001]

Just a follow up on my theory, you could try a 'clean boot' (described in the link step by step) to see if what I said above is perhaps causing the problem.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353