Revo Uninstaller is a freeware uninstall utility with a startup manager which is better than InControl for sure!

I hope you offer this again soon as the giveawayoftheday web site was down yesterday and I gave up after trying 100 times. 504 gateway timeout

If you really want to find out what is on your PC, I find that the best free tool is ProcessScanner

It runs a full scan of your PC, then lists each process, and tells you exactly what it does, which program it's associated with etc. Using that info, you can get rid of all the stuff that's not needed.

I don't know if my posting about incompatibility with StartupDelayer was dismissed by the editor (if so for good reasons), but anyway, if it was delayed somehow and appears later, I want to say that it was a mistake. I found that the problem was in StartupDelayer that froze when it came to starting up the delayed programs. It had nothing to do with Incontrol.

depends msconfig does the job but sometimes it is not showing detailed info about startup progs..even if you are a geek you may need more info than,say, descx435h.exe

Thank-you GOTD, for your free programs & games.
You are providing a service that is Original and Free.

*Also thank-you to the 'Software Manufacturer's' who
Believe in there Product enough to offer
it on this site.
(PS) No, Not a suck job, Just Fact. (Think about it).

glad to finally be able to get to web site problem for a couple of hours. will try program. if anyone wants a good choice for services to run or not.. check out http://www.blackviper.com/index.html has a great list of services and what amy or may not be needed depending on your wants.

I also downloaded that start up inspector #15...it lists the startup programs but does "not" know what anything is...even avg anti virus. I promptly uninstalled it. Worthless. Now on to trying out the rest.

???? My pardons if this has been asked already (I don't feel like reading the WHOLE comments section) but why are you just starting to show up now Bubby? Also....I think people are going to start expecting answers to there questions now, lol.

Please comment only on the software here. If you have suggestions on our project, or want to "meet the moderators" please leave us a note in our forums. :) (And the forums are the best place to ask questions if you need answers)

#89
The answer to your question may be in comment #43. It's a lot to read, but if you look through the comments AND check the Forum when you have problems - chances are that someone else already had it and got it answered.
Also see Comment #38. Forums link at the top of this page.

Thanks GOTD, looks like a winner.

Download & Install went perfectly.

This is a sweet little program. I browsed every thing and tried most. Actually, InControl is Kind-a like a bit of a Swiss Army Knife as it does more, much more, than just the Start Menu.

A big Thumbs up for this application.

That is two home runs in two days. Keep it up GAOTD

For me, the best feature that really sets this startup manager apart from all those I have used before (still using CodeStuff Starter, actually) is blacklisting. There are plenty of very persistent programs that keep putting themselves back into startup after you've disabled them with other startup managers. The only program I know with a feature similar to InControl's blacklisting (though by no means as easy to use) is TeaTimer, which is bundled with SpyBot. For this alone, I will be using InControl (unless someone can suggest a simple free alternative).

One thing I dislike intensely is the fact that it always starts with the inane "Welcome Wizard", and there is no obvious way to change that.

Overall, though, a nice program, so thank you, GOTD!

i wonder if that start up manager does detect the keylogger that this company is making because if it does i would stink and if it dossent i would stink too so here is tha real dilemma. keyloggers usually need to run silent to be not detected or worse inject some code into another legal process (super stealth trojan) or hijack another programs .dll files (dll hijacker)

Msg From BuBBy: It is a false positive. http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/1021

STARTUP DELAY is a freeware program that also has THE DELAY that so many want.. and best of all it's FREE!!!!!

just go to Google and enter STARTUP DELAY! you will find several links..... I Tried it.. just did not like that you can not save and Restore.. other than that .. IT worked fine..

I normally enjoy GTOD and the helpful comments of its members. I decided to try In-Control. When I installed it, I got a 30 Trial Window pop-up asking me to buy the program or insert a Registration Key. I also got another pop-up with a Registration Key in it. When I tried to insert the Reg Key into the appropriate tab on the other window, I got a message that says the key was invalid.

What do I do now? Thanks, Gary

#79:check is you also copied the part of the number on the second line.

re: #71 Here, Here! ditto. Couldn't have said it better myself, I 2nd that emotion.

Thanks to all who offer alternatives as well as GOTD. I always check out all of them so I can see for myself. I also would be glad to know of any conflicts to running more than one at a time on any suggested alternative on any given day. (as well as to which OS they might apply to.)

I am grateful to try any paid program even if all it tells me is that it wasn't something I should have bought. Being on a tight budget limits what I can do with even the most reasonably priced program.

I would love to see the freeware section of this site updated much more frequently.

Qick points:

1. Sweet little app: easy to use, easy to understand.

2. Well done, GOTD.

3. Even more well done: BuBBy -- that post at #62 really ought to be pinned somewhere (yes, I already use the Process Library service you've linked to, but that's not really the point: what you're providing is excellent support, BuBBy. Sincere thanks!)

4. Start-up always -- always! -- triggers not one but two problems: (a) the possibility of stuff starting up that shouldn't be on your computer anyway; (b) the possibility of too much stuff starting up simultaneously. It's that "simultaneous" start-up of everything which is very often the biggest problem -- hence the fact that though I like today's offering, it's sadly deficient in addressing the problem of too many legitimate progs launching all at once.

5. Progs which allow the "staggered" launch of whatever's in your start-up -- otherwise known as "delay progs" -- can therefore be more effective in speeding things up. However: they can also be particularly effective in slowing things right down. (Or failing to load vital software at all, a criticism that's been levelled at StartRight.)

6. Recommendation:

a) If you're not sure what your computer is loading at start-up, then today's offering wll definitely be useful -- providing you make a note of BuBBy's helpful link at post #62. ( Process Library is a link that should be on everyone's computer anyway.)

b) It being the Information Age, apps which allow access to just that -- information -- are always going to be preferable to those that don't (or don't do it as well.)

c) StartUp Inspector has matured over the years to be stable, effective, and informative (I've had it since its first version.)

d) I've also used Startup Delayer (though really, these things would be more accurately described as 'Startup Sequencers'). And yes, it works as intended. StartRight, however, isn't something I have any experience of, and the user reviews about StartRight's failure to load virus protection / firewall doesn't encourage me.

All in all, a very nice offering from GOTD today. If the developer had incorporated a sequential facility to stagger the launch timings -- Gawd, this sounds like NASA -- it would've been even better.

* PS: please, please, please: will people STOP posting daft comments about "you can always use msconfig"? Yes. Of course you can. And unless you really are an expert in computing, a fat lot of good it will do you.

I had this one before. I liked it and I thought it was a good program. However I now have Anvir Task Manager from an earlier giveaway. Also Winpatrol and Glary Utilities have start up managers. So I will pass on this one. I would suggest that anyone that does not have any program like this may want to try it. Thank you GAOTD for some great programs. Thank you also to the publisher Virtuoza Software, Inc.

Ah it seems to have a few more features that I hadn't noticed at first...

And I did forget to mention the blacklisting...that is a pretty good little feature

A free program is a fine program...but I don't know if I'll keep this one forever. It really doesn't seem to do much more than Msconfig...except "heal your PC" and provide a link to System Information (a tool already found in the start menu...)

I saw the videos...there really doesn't seem to be all that much to this program...but there is enough to keep it. Definitely not worth the 30 bucks to buy it.

But it is nice for free :)

Thanks again, GAOTD

I think this program is somewhat dangerous, here's why:

1. Limited information on what's actually running and what it's there for (I'm not going to weed through a billion Google hits for more info). Users may stop/disable or God forbid remove something important.
2. Heal my PC - again limited information as to what exactly is being "Healed" - Scary!
3. I like how it minimizes to the tray and then on clicking the InControl icon you get 2 taskbar shortcuts. At least I do...
4. That wizard everytime you start it is annoying - yes just hit the X
5. The fact that this GUI intergrates with some of windows system tools is neat but could cause havoc if misunderstood and this vendor making it seem as though it's all cute and fluffy to be messing around with important system settings.

I found this amusing though... In Control Uninstall Page

Thanks to StargateCommand post #15 for suggesting Startup Inspector for Windows http://www.windowsstartup.com/ - looks very promising
As always thanks to GAOTD Team!

- double post removed.

Ok so heres what it said when I installed the program:

"Register your copy using following data:

Registration name:

GiveAwayOfTheDay

Registration key:

--- key removed ---"

But it said its the wrong number when I tried to register so now I can only use this for 30 day trial period.

What did I do wrong?
Help please.

Please comment only on the software here. If you have technical problems please leave us a note in our forums.

You can use AnVir Task Manager which has a free edition
http://www.anvir.com/taskmanagerfree/

THANKS to all who posted alternative (freeware) programs to that! I think that's the real deal with this comments section.

I have AnVir (which has a delayed startup feature) and I downloaded yesterdays Frigate 3 (which I still have to learn).

Can anyone tell me if I download todays offering do I have to worry about system conflicts, etc.? Does this do the basically the same thing as yesterday's program? Is it easier for a plug n play type of person to learn to use?

Hi. Can't download file. Get message that file is corrupt. Anyone had this problem?

Please comment only on the software here. If you have technical problems please leave us a note in our forums.

Why so many thumbs down on all these free downloads guys??

Ive red a load of good reviews about this product but it seems there's more ppl voting against than there is for but why??

Can someone enlighten me please?

HI my one bits worth ...this is one of those programs I had to really ponder, because I am not sure if I fit the novice level or intermediate (LOL). My ego says I am intermediate, but I think I am a expert-Novice. :-)
So, I decided to check out the videos first brought up by #4 and boy, this are very nice. I guess I am a novice since I seem to like the conveniences of this program. What interest me was the fact of the 5 videos offered for this user simple program. Frankly I always kind of worried if I messed anything up when I go the misconfig route and I guess I don't feel comfortable messing around myself, but this program takes the worry out of that concern. Here are the videos made available to users and basic summary functions of their purpose. Mind you, this is only a summary to give you and idea of the video categories and content.

The videos offered are:

1. Main screen video: is an explanation of the 3 parts of that screen and it's functions.

2. Add, edit and remove video: This video explains "How to", in easy terms to add, edit anything in the startup list.

3. Black List video: I didn't explore this one too much other than it explains removing and how to keep from repeating this program in the startup list.

4. History Viewer: pretty explanatory as you can check your history of previious programs in the start up list.

5. Heal my PC: repairs finds missing links. (nice feature for sure....found 5 upon initial running and fixed them!)

For novices to intermediate that like this convenience and safety and peace of mind of a program that keeps it simple and quick, this is a darn good program to have. I am happy i downloaded it and thanks GOT.

OH....Installation....yep..."like butter" :-)

the spybot finds in this program registry keylogger. how can explain that?

Msg From BuBBy: It is a false positive. http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/1021

First of all, I think it's fair to say we all appreciate very much GOTD and the publishers for their generosity in giving stuff away. I don't take everything that's offered (only installed 3 programs), but I've found some really useful gems here. Regardless if I take a program or not, the effort is always appreciated. But I'm troubled by the sentiment as expressed in (#44), that just because stuff is given away for free, we have no right to comment on it except to offer unreserved praise (or else we should "get a life"). I don't think that kind of attitude leads to an intellectually open environment or more computer literacy for the members. I found the comments (most of them) extremely helpful, especially those offering alternatives and comparisons between them. As long as it's done in a respectful manner (NOT in a tone like "today's offering totally SUCKS, you should get XYZ instead"). What's wrong with mentioning Sysinternals autoruns and comparing its functionality with the current offering (even the site moderator mentioned it in a comment), then let people make their own decisions? Whatever happen to free expression, and free will? Even criticisms, as long as they are constructive and respectful, can be useful to the publishers to see what they need to improve on. Let's dispel the notion that offering alternatives (free of not), and constructive criticism constitute "complaining" or "whining". I've found as many useful programs from the comments as I've found from the official offering, that's what keeps me coming back to the site day after day.

For those mentioning alternatives, you should offer a detailed explanation of the features and benefits of the alternative in juxtaposition with the current offering, as well as a link to the actual program. Just saying "XYZ is better, get it instead" will probably offend someone's sensibilities.

Not too bad, it's not the best or most powerful tool I've ever used, but it is very effective and simple to handle. ^_^ Not bad at all.

For the people who love services.msc and want a faster way to manage windows drivers and services, check out the programs at http://www.l5sg.com/Products/downloads.html

These 2 programs (Driver Manager and Service Manager) make available extra (advanced) information that isn't available from the standard tools, and presents it in a format that makes it easier than having to view and make changes via regedit.

Great constructive comments today. Thanks for the comments and assistance Bubby! I like this program very much. I've always used msconfig in the past and somehow managed to lose my startup folder.
Program has a nice GUI. I especially like the blacklist feature.

Thanks GOTD - I downloaded and put the program thru it's paces and can see where it might be useful for the novice ... but, like many other's, I still prefer to use my MSCONFIG and REGEDIT.

I haven't been reading the comment section for a while. I just got a refreshing reason on why! (One big change that is good is the fact that BuBBy is commenting in the appropriate comments, keep up the good work).

Not everybody is a computer genius and need something like this. Its free, why bash it?

Very nice soft, but as already told, you can run the msconfig and turn on or off any program you want without this give away of the day.
Cya

Are you serious, $30 for that? It does nothing more than MSCONFIG or REGEDIT . . . . that should be freeware; charging for that makes the company look bad. I don't guess they understand that heh.

Thanks,
Klint T.
Computer / Network Engineer
A+,Net+,Sec+,MCP,MCSA,MCSE

There has been a lot of people commenting on msconfig.exe, first of all Incontrol looks better than msconfig, it shows full program names, not only exe file names, and it also has features that msconfig doesn't such as allowing you to see how long your system has been running, allows you to add new entries, edit entries, remove them, send them to a blacklist, launch them or stop them. It also has a history viewer allowing you to see what changes you have made to your computer and revert back to them. The thing it doesn't have is a service manager (or I can't find it) to manage your services, so I use msconfig or services.msc for that.

For the users who are at a loss as to what the various processes are (ie. they need the services of a translator to explain what the currently running programs actually are) Take a look at http://www.processlibrary.com/quicklink/ which gives you an easy facility to lookup the purpose and description of a task/process.

Hopefully some people will find this useful (and educational)

#5: Speak fer yerself. ALL of my startup items are needed and carefully controlled.

#2 - Try "Startup Delayer." I've used it for a few years now. It works like a charm. I "set-it and forget it." Hmmm... why do I think of Ron Popeil when I hear that phrase? :) Anyway, I use it every time I load my PC. It's effevtive; has some good features; does what it says, and I hardly know it's working. Also, it's freeware.

Good luck!

http://www.r2.com.au/software.phppage=2&show=startdelay&PHPSESSID=2ac22b865b1e680551f0f0b1cfce6636

Forgot to say that InControl5 is a good companion to a startup program like InControl.

There is a program called InControl5 I have used for several years. This was a freeware program at one time available for download from the developer Ziff Davis's website. He stopped hosting the program and PC Magazine took over the hosting. PC Magazine no longer has the program but you can still download it from the link below. It's the last item at the bottom of the list.
http://home.planet.nl/~pa0joz/pc_util.html


Here is info about the program taken from it's readme file. Although Windows XP is not listed in the Platforms the program runs fine on this system. I have no idea about Vista.

DESCRIPTION:
InCtrl5 is the fifth incarnation of one of PC Magazine's most popular utilities. By monitoring the changes made to your system when you install new software, it enables you to troubleshoot any unexpected problems that come up. Virtually every modern program uses an install utility that installs or updates files, and also may record data in the registry, and update INI files or other essential text files. A companion uninstall utility should precisely reverse the effects of the install utility. When a newly installed program causes existing applications to fail, or when the supplied uninstall utility can't complete its task, to restore your system you need a record of exactly what the original install utility did. InCtrl5 can provide this record.
This new version offers a variety of new features, including an attractive new interface, the ability to track changes to text files such as AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS, HTML reports, and command line switches. It runs under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4, and Windows 2000. It does not run under Windows NT 3.51 or any other operating system. Older versions of Windows are supported by previous versions of InCtrl. If you are running Windows NT 4 or Windows 95, you will need Internet Explorer 4 or higher to preview HTML reports within the program.

Hello All,

Thank you for this program and all the others. I find this service to be a great place for helpful programs and have recommended it to others.

"msconfig" and "hijack this" both work well but tend to confuse me. Ultimate Troubleshooter is a great program but costs more than I can spend. I use System Mechanic Pro for daily maintenance but StartUp Monitor is a fast and easy way double check what is going on. StartUp Inspector's database is better at explaining what is actually happening though. SpyBot does several good things and I use it also.

I will try this program and see if it has improvements or is easier than my current favorites. Thank you once again for making these programs available.

Michael Kelly

go to mlin.net and get hsi startup control panel.
it's free and works great, even adds an applet in your control panel.

msconfig is NOT always a good choice in my experience, as sometimes win XP may "burp" and then you lose ALL your startup info.
i am a musician and need to kill off all kinds of things running, and messed up my machine but good with msconfig...and no way to recover it. (spare me the system restore comments...some of us prefer not to have that active at all times).
i'm gonna bite and try this...
if it works well for me, i will stop back and post, if not...
i may not bother.
good to see you guys backm GAOTD, and thanks regardless.
peace
jimi

This program is really nice. Take the time to look at it! It even does more then stated above.

Various alternatives to are mentioned in the previous comments (e.g.: WinPatrol,TheUltimateTroubleshooter,StartupInspector, et al). Are there any problems, conflicts or dangers in INSTALLING several or all of them, provided they are only RUN one at a time??