Configuring a Program to Run at Startup

When you log in, Windows launches the programs located in the Startup folder.

For each user, there are two startup folders: their personal startup folder, and the “common” startup folder which is applied to all users of the machine. (For a discussion on profiles, see Using Windows Profiles.)

Finding the Existing Program Icon

1. Right-click the Start button.

   There will be at least four options: Open, Explore, Open All Users and Explore All Users. (If the latter two options do not appear, you are not logged in with administrator privileges and you cannot make changes to the common profile.)

2. Click Open All Users.

   A window opens which shows the top level of the contents of the common Start Menu items.

3. Double-click Programs.

4. Look for the program you require in this list. If you find it, right-click the icon and choose Copy.

   If you cannot find the item, repeat the above steps but choose Open instead of Open All Users. This will display your personal Start Menu items.

Adding the Icon to the Startup Folder

1. Right-click the Start button.

   If you wish to add the program to the common profile, choose Open All Users. The program will start no matter who logs in.

   If you wish to add the program to your personal profile, choose Open. The program will start only when you log in.

2. Double-click Programs.

3. Double-click Startup.

4. Right-click and choose Paste.

   A copy of the program's shortcut will appear.

5. Right-click the icon and choose Properties.

   If you wish the program to start minimised, change Run to Minimized. If you wish the program to start full-screen, change Run to Maximised.

6. Click OK.

7. Close the Startup window.

Removing an Icon from the Startup Folder

1. Right-click the Start button.

   If you wish to remove a program to the common profile, choose Open All Users.

   If you wish to remove a program from your personal profile, choose Open.

   (If not sure, look in both.)

2. Double-click Programs.

3. Double-click Startup.

4. Delete the shortcut for the program in question.