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Running applications in background

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7 replies

by phdj2000

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Hi,
I've got an executable that I want to run automatically on a users machine.
The machine is runnig xp.
I want the application to run on startup regardless of who is logged on. I have tried putting it in the startup folder within the all usersdirectory but it doesn't seeem to run automatically for all users.
I also want it to shut down automatically when a user shuts the machine down.
Does anyone know how I might be able to do this?
Can I run it as a service?

Phil

7 replies

by thechas

To start up the application, you can add it to the run key in the registry.

Most of the 'hidden' background applications have the startup link in the registry.

As far as shutting down the application, does it need to be shutdown seperately from Windows?
Windows should close all open applications prior to shutting down.

If this app needs to be shut down in a special way, or before other applications, I believe there is a section of the registry to control that also.

A good guide to the registry is published by O'Reilly Publishing.

Chas

by an_it_guy

Start>Run; type msconfig & hit 'Enter'.
This brings up a MSConfig utility, find the startup tab and enter the details of your executable.
This should help since its an XP box.
Cheers.

by blackdiamond

Hey,

Have you considered having Windows Task Scheduler run this item at login? Scheduled Tasks is located in Control Panel. Does this item require that it be shut down before log off or will it just shut itself down when the PC is shutdown?

Thanx

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