CONTROLLING WHICH PROGRAMS LOAD FIRST ON START-UP IN XP

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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.
 
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I'm sure I have heard of a way, but I'm scratching my head to recall it.

Also don't type your title in caps :(

If your machine takes 4 minutes to load up dare I suggest an upgrade? :)
 
you could always remove your network cable until zonelarm loads up. As for speeding up startup, you should probably upgrade your pc
 
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
 
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.
 
You can stop Windows from telling you your firewall/anti virus is disabled by ticking I have my own solution in that XP security center thing.
 
Belly said:
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.
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.
 
Whats actually popping up the error message ?, I take it its windows xp thats doing it as it's not detecting a firewall etc. if thats the case then you can turn off the info message in the control panel.

Just look for the security center, then click on the link on the left that says "Change the way Security Center alerts me", and un-tick the one's you don;t want alerts for.

Ti try and get zonealarm booting up a little fast you could try using a boot defragger thingy, I use tuneup Utilities 2006 which seems to work well.
 
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) :)
 
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