Need computer help with something I should be able to do in my sleep!

During visit over Thanksgiving my computer genius son-in-law removed all programs from my start up menu and it is running me crazy. Usually I turn on the computer and Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express and Internet Explorer (home page DU natch!) automatically open and live is good, convenient and just the way I like it.

I have tried over and over again to figure out how to put those programs back into my start up and for some reason I am having a complete brain fart and can't get it done. Once upon a time I know you could just click and drag the programs but apparently someone thought that was too easy and "upgraded" that sucker right out of existence.

I go to the start, right click, hit properties try to add programs or customize start up and nothing. It won't add them.

I beg to all the brainiacs at DU to help me out - is there an easy way to add this stuff to the start up without needing a degree in computer science, hiring an expert or groveling to the son-in-law (don't want to admit I can't fix it - he already thinks I'm "stoopid" because I'm a Dem!)?

I am constantly checking to see what is running or what got added, etc. It is a matter of re checking or unchecking . . easiest for me anyway.

What does spybot have to do with my wanting programs to run on start up?

such as viewing, changing start up programs . . sorry I wasn't clear . . and of course it's not helpful if you don't have spybot in the first place. gopsux has the simple answer. good luck

copy and paste it directly into the startup folder on your menu bar

hit "RUN" and then type in "MSCONFIG"

There is a tab there that says "Startup." But on checking mine, there aren't alot of programs already in there that you said you wanted. But if yours are listed there, check the boxes if they are unchecked. I think it'll tell you you have to restart before the changes will take effect.

I also recommend going to "Castellini on Computers" and seeing what they got there. They have an internet radio show Saturday mornings that you can call questions into live.

www.helpmerick.com

I don't have the right answer to your question if this doesn't work. I was looking for it myself . . . . Seems like I 'used to' know this!

Then choose "Create Shortcut" from the dropdown menu. Drag that shortcut to the "Startup" icon on your "Start" menu. The program will now run when the machine starts.

restore your system at a restore point before
your SIN messed with your nice orderly life.

Any files you have created since will be unaffected.

Hopefully you will have a system restore point that
predates your SIN's hamfisted help session.

I do this a lot because my SO loves the press on
the left mouse button while moving around on my
desk top blowing up my task bar in the process.

I even woke up one morning to find my task bar enmpty
and the date/time icon had vanished (???????)

Good luck

:banghead: