Programs Automatically Start When User Logs On To Windows NT

ID: Q147369


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.00
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.00
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server


SUMMARY

When you log on to Windows NT, a program immediately starts. After you view the the Startup group, AUTOEXEC.BAT and your login script file, there is nothing that specifies the program to automatically start during Windows NT logon.


MORE INFORMATION

Another way you can run or load programs at Windows 3.x startup is to add the file name of the program to the load= or run= line in the WIN.INI file. In Windows NT, you can also use this method; however, you must add the file name of the program in the registry. To verify the load and run lines in the registry, do the following:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

  1. Start Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE) and locate the following Registry subkey in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER subtree:


    \Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows


  2. Look at the entries load and run.


  3. If the program path and file name is assigned to load or run, select load or run.


  4. From the Edit menu, select String and remove the path and file name.


  5. Choose OK and quit the Registry Editor.


  6. Log off and log back on.


Additional query words: prodnt run load

Keywords : kbenv nthowto ntregistry
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.00
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: January 20, 2000
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