Solved How to set a .txt file to launch on startup?

[yonyz]

Hi,

I have my to do list typed in a simple .txt file that I edit with Notepad.
I would like that particular file to launch and appear as soon as Windows starts.

How can I achieve that?

 

[MacGyvr]

Browse to your startup folder, usually located at C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (for you only) or C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (for all users).

Create a new shortcut with "notepad.exe yourfilename.txt" as the target. Depending on where you store the .txt file, you may need to include the path, like "notepad.exe c:\users\yourname\documents\filename.txt"

The next time you boot up, notepad will launch with your file open.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

 

[yonyz]

I'll try that now and reply with the results later. Thanks.

 

[DeVandal]

You could just keep the todolist.txt file in the startup folder.

 

[adn258]

All of the methods they describe are correct however there is another option I want to point out that (I LIKE BETTER PERSONALLY) because it's more explicit and I think it causes less problems, but this is partially a matter of opinion: the method I speak of is through the registry. Do as follows if you want to use this method:

Pretending you have the text document saved to Your Documents:

• press the windows button + r this brings up the run dialog
• type regedit and hit enter, and when it asks for permissions hit yes
• browse to this key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run

You will actually see two keys Run and RunOnce, Run once is used if you want to set string values to a location and you ONLY want them to run once; Run is used if you want to to run all the time which is sounds like you do

So you click run

Then you will see to the right name type and data and there will already be some values there.

• click somewhere in the white
• go to new string value and and when the window pops up name it whatever you want
• double click the key once it's create and give it the value of the path to your .txt file for instance if it's in Documents
  C:\Users\YourUserName\Documents\happy.txt

This sounds complicated here but it seriously isn't, it takes one minute and I think it's a better method!

Cheers!

 

[yonyz]

Well, MacGyvr method works best for me because, obviously, I regularly edit the file, so merely having its shortcut for it in the Startup folder, means that I can place the original file in an easily accessible folder.

Nevertheless, I thank you all for your different solutions.

Edit: adn258, I wonder, why do you think the registry method is a better one that the ones previously suggested?

 

[adn258]

Well, MacGyvr method works best for me because, obviously, I regularly edit the file, so merely having its shortcut for it in the Startup folder, means that I can place the original file in an easily accessible folder.

Nevertheless, I thank you all for your different solutions.

Edit: adn258, I wonder, why do you think the registry method is a better one that the ones previously suggested?

More explicit I've seen the startup folder method fail eventually for various reasons is all I can say, I also think it won't startup for all users though I will have to check that and that depends on if you have multiple-will check on that though not sure 100%

note: you can edit the text file still if it's in the registry as long as the path doesn't change editing the text file makes no difference it's a simple registry string that tells the computer to open that text file every time the computer starts, the binary or text date in that file makes no difference .

Peace The choice is yours though doesn't matter to me just trying to be helpful

 

[MacGyvr]

Either method works well, I just don't suggest anyone editing the registry unless they are very comfortable with it.

 

[adn258]

Either method works well, I just don't suggest anyone editing the registry unless they are very comfortable with it.

I know I know and you are totally right but something about moving a file; it's not inscrutable, you know? I mean it's fine don't get me wrong, but when it comes to those who like to tinker like me....mmmm...I won't say anymore lol.

 

[Layback Bear]

I agree with MacGyvr post # 8. IMHO the registry is no place for most of us to fooling around in.

 

[yonyz]

I'm very comfortable editing the registry, as long as it's really necessary, unlike this case.
Again, I thank you all for your suggestions. Have a great week.