CONTROLLING WHICH PROGRAMS LOAD FIRST ON START-UP IN XP

Belly · 3 Sep 2006 at 15:23

Is it possible to force Windows to load one program before another on start-up?

On bootup I get an error message in the system tray "Your computer might be at risk because Zone Alarm is not switched on". As my computer (PIII 450ghz) struggles and eventually boots up I notice that the last icon to appear in the system tray is Zone Alarm. The 1st one shown is my NTL (always on) Modem. Is it for consideration that during this period the computer is at risk? My computer takes about 4 minutes to bootup?

If I could force Windows to load Zone Alarm earlier I wouldn't get the error message and I'd have peace of mind. It didn't bother me when I had a dial-up connection.

Belly · 3 Sep 2006 at 15:35

greenlizard0 said:
If your machine takes 4 minutes to load up dare I suggest an upgrade?

My pockets only open one way :rolleyes:

I've got a very good laptop (1600 x 1200 screen) and I might wait until Vista is the norm. I'm trying to get my mate to build one for me, he bought all his components from OCUK. OCUK won't build to order and I want a quiet one

Belly · 3 Sep 2006 at 15:38

greenlizard0 said:
Also don't type your title in caps

Happy Now?

Belly · 3 Sep 2006 at 15:45

doran1801 said:
you could always remove your network cable until zonelarm loads up. As for speeding up startup, you should probably upgrade your pc

If I remove the cable until after bootup the computer quite often doesn't recognise the modem, so I have to switch off the modem and reboot etc.

If I could force the program load order I would be happy. Yes I agree on an upgrade.

Belly · 3 Sep 2006 at 21:18

Luke284 said:
try this ive never used it myself so cant comment on how good/easy it is!

Thanx this looks Very interesting

Belly · 3 Sep 2006 at 21:23

Scythe said:
You could stop the programs that you want to fix from starting on boot via the Startup folder in Start Menu or msconfig. Then you'll need to write a .bat file that loads ZA, waits 5 seconds, then connects to the internet and set it to boot, this will ensure a order to start programs.

Thanx very much for your help but what you're suggesting is way beyond my capabilities (I did Domestic Science at school not Rocket Science)