Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Unwanted Startup File

0 helpful
5 replies

by winmorgan

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

Hi,

I'm using Kazaa, running under Windows XP Pro, and an older versions didn't do this, BUT...it recently, without my asking it to, downloaded a newer version. NOw, it not only shows a splash screen asking if I'd like to upgrade to the new verion every time my computer starts up, BUT it also apparently retrieves an ad for various things, so that at startup I'm asked about the update and I have to dismiss that plus dismissing the ad (not for Kazaa...for various retail products).

HOW do Iget rid of this? I've checked Start Menu > Programs for my user name, AND Start Menu > Programs under All Users. Found one Kazaa shortcut there and deleted it but that did NOT stop the problem.

Thanks for any and all help,

Win

5 replies

by grey_woolf

Do a search on "Kazaa" in the registry. There will be a registry key "RUN", inside this key delete the notation to "Kazaa", and any other popup.

** NOTE **
Always backup the registry PRIOR to editing.

by winmorgan

Dear Grey Wolf,

First of all, thanks for your reply. SEcond, I'll rate your reply favorable if you'll tell me how to search the Registry. I'm sorry to be ignorant...I've used Macs for about 7 years, and just switched to Windows about 6 months ago (don't get me started). Anyway, I know I've seent the Registry, but (and I fell like a dope), I can't find it. I CAN find, in the Search function the Browse option...I just don't know where to Browse to.

Second, I assume I make a backup of theRegistry by copying it to somewhere else (like the Desktop). How would I know if I need the backup copy? i.e., does all hell break loose and then I have to start in Safe mode and replace the Registry file that's gotten messed up with the backup copy I made? Another way to put this: How do I know if it's gotten screwed up and how do I fix it if it "breaks?"

Thank you very much for the quick reply and the help,

Win

by thechas

Generaly speaking, searching and editing the registry should only be performed by experianced users.

Changing the wrong value, or deleteing the wrong key, can cause your PC to no longer boot.

If you wish to explore the registry, you should read up on it first.

Here is a good site for registry information:

http://www.winguides.com/registry/

To search and edit the registry, run regedit from the run box on the start menu.

Now, as to your problem;

From the run box on the start menu, type in msconfig and click on okay.

Click on the startup tab.
Uncheck any program that you wish to stop from running at startup.
Click on apply.

Unfortunately, Kazaa and many other programs restore the registry links when you run them.Your best option, is to find a copy of "Kazaa Light". This is Kazaa with the spyware / addware removed.

Another option, is to download and run AdAware from www.lavasoft.de
This program finds and helps you remove ALL the AdWare that various programs install for you.

Chas

by winmorgan

Thanks for all the help. AdWare downloaded and will read up on the registry at winguides.

Best regards,

Win

This discussion is closed to new replies.