Can't remove Start entry

Question

I deinstalled some Trialware from my new XPS, but the Start entries weren't removed for 3 of the apps.  They show up as invalid startup entries that point to non-existent files when I run the Dell diagnostic program and my monitoring utility shows the system tries to install them every 2 minutes.    I have tried to remove the entries but they are automatically restored.  I have tried deleting them through MSCONFIG and I have tried deleting the entries in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Window\CurrentVersion|RUN in the registry, but they are alwaysl restored.    I sure would appreciate some help getting rid of these entries.   Thanks.

kirkd · Answer

If they are reinstalling themselves, they may still be there. Did you uninstall using Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel, or just delete them? If you just deleted, go to Add/Remove and see if the programs are still listed. If so, click on them and select uninstall. They may not uninstall here if the program was first deleted from /Programs sub-directory, so you may need to reinstall and try Add/Remove again.

I usually run MSConfig Cleanup (freeware) after unselecting items from MSConfig's Start-up Tab. Might want to try this first.

tn.bill · Answer

Thanks, but I uninstalled the programs using Add or Remove Programs....it's only the Startup entries that remain and repeatedly call for programs that aren't there.  When I delete the startup entries in MSCONFIG or in the registry, they are somehow restored by something.

chuket · Answer

tn.bill Do a google search for remove 'name of program'. You probably aren't the only one to have the problem and someone may have found the fix.

wee.alex · Answer

tn.bill, Have you tried the Windows Installer Clean Up Utility ? http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=290301

Windows General

Can't remove Start entry

Was this post helpful?