Windows 7: Utility to monitor startup ?

Hi -

I have been using Lin's SystemMonitor.exe for years on win xp to alert me when programs attempt to place themselves into startup.

I am looking for a similar product / utility for windows 7.

MS SysInternlas autoruns, will tell you what is started all over the pc, but this is after the fact.

Any suggestions? What do you use to proected your startup from extraneious programs you don't want starting?

dp

The startup tab of msconfig allows you to disable any gui applications from starting. CCleaner can remove them permanently. Services.msc (just click the windows key+r) allows you to configure background services. A good realtime antimalware app and firewall will stop unrecognized changes to your system. Never install anythng using the default settings. Almost all applications that don't require system level permissions to operate have a run at startup option that can be deselected.. SMART is a good freeware application that can disable unnecessary services automatically. The rest is a matter of preference. It takes a bit of experience to learn which services and programs are best left alone, but there are lots of people in this forum who will be happy to help you.

The best product for determining what is running, but which is not going to auto-alert you when a new program, process, service, dll trys to run at startup time is:

AutoRuns for Windows

I use Win Patrol --- BillP Studios Download Page

If you want the PLUS version there is a one time charge for lifetime updates and the key is good for all the computers you have.

Try the free version and see if it does what you want.
It will monitor and alert you when something is added to startup and give you a choice to deny/allow the entry.


Jim

Great little app!

I agree! WinPatrol is the best!

msconfig does the job perfectly for me. i always check it after installing software or drivers, just in case something has been added.

bought a netbook last week, had a look at msconfig, and there were over twenty entries for crapware...none of which was needed. time for a clean install, methinks.

The developer, Bill Pytlovany, frequently offers special discounts for the licensed WinPatrol PLUS. It is definitely worthwhile keeping an eye out for them.

There is much more to WinPatrol. These are a few of the features I particularly like in WinPatrol:

Not only will WinPatrol alert you when something is added to Start Up, you can also move programs from Start Up Programs to Delayed Start. The Delayed Start feature in WinPatrol allows you to specify the time to wait before launching programs which may typically try to load while other system initialization are happening.

Although WinPatrol provides when a service, hidden file or registry entry are first detected, Recent places the information together on one screen so you can see at a glance what is added when installing a new program.

WinPatrol will also notify you if changes are made to UAC or your Windows Update settings.