Multiple Windows Open Automatically at Logon

ID: Q197077

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition version 4.0

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SYMPTOMS

When you log on to Windows NT, multiple windows may open. When this occurs, one window opens for each file or folder in the root folder on the hard disk.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if there is no string data assigned to the Common Startup value in the following registry key:


   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ 
      User Shell Folders

This value points to the folder from which the Startup group items for the All Users profile are to be run. If this value is not present, Windows NT assumes that all files and folders in the root folder on the hard disk on which Windows NT is installed must be opened.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it.

To resolve this issue, add the string data "%SystemRoot%\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup" to the Common Startup value in the following registry key:


   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ 
      User Shell Folders

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Keywords : kbenv ntstart
Version : WINNT:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb