Windows Security Tutorials - Herong's Tutorial Examples - v3.01, by Dr. Herong Yang
Windows 7: Remove Startup Programs
This section provides a tutorial example on how to review all startup programs that have configured to run at the startup time on a Windows 7 system and uninstall any unwanted startup programs.
Another area you need to check is the list of programs that are configured to run at the startup time. You should remove any startup programs that are not needed.
1. Go to "Control Panel\System and Security\Administrative Tools".
2. Double click on "System Configuration". You will see the "System Configuration" screen shows up.
3. Click on the "Startup" tab. You see a list of all programs that are "checked" to run at the system startup time. If you see any program name that you are not familiar with, then it is a possible spyware, adware or some program that you never need it. Search Internet to confirm that program is not related Windows system or any hardware functions. If confirmed, you should consider to disable that program.
For example, on my Windows 7 system, I see "Yahoo! Messenger" currently configured to run at the system startup time. But I don't use Yahoo Message that often and I can start it myself if needed. So I will disable it.
4. Uncheck the checkbox next to "Yahoo! Messenger".
5. Click the "Apply" button.
6. Continue to review all startup programs.
8. Restart the computer. All unchecked programs will not be executed at startup time anymore.
The picture below shows you the list of system startup programs on a Windows 7 system:
Table of Contents
About This Windows Security Book
Windows 8: System Security Review
Windows 8: System Security Protection
Windows 8 Defender for Real-Time Protection
►Windows 7: System Security Review
Windows 7: System Version-Information
Windows 7: Create Restore Point
Windows 7: Uninstall Unwanted Programs
Windows 7: Disable System Services
Windows 7: Disable Scheduled Tasks
►Windows 7: Remove Startup Programs
Windows 7: Review Running Processes
Windows 7: Disk Folders and Files
Windows 7: Review Personal Downloads Folders
Windows 7: System Security Protection
Windows 7 Forefront Client Security
Norton Power Eraser - Anti-Virus Scan Tool
McAfee Virus and Malware Protection Tools
Spybot - Spyware Blocker, Detection and Removal
Keeping IE (Internet Explorer) Secure
Malware (Adware, Spyware, Trojan, Worm, and Virus)
HijackThis - Browser Hijacker Diagnosis Tool
IE Add-on Program Listing and Removal
"Conduit Search" - Malware Detection and Removal
"Tube Dimmer", "Scorpion Saver" or "Adpeak" Malware
Malware Manual Removal Experience
Vundo (VirtuMonde/VirtuMundo) - vtsts.dll Removal
Trojan and Malware "Puper" Description and Removal
VSToolbar (VSAdd-in.dll) - Description and Removal
PWS (Password Stealer) Trojan Infection Removal