Every day we offer FREE licensed software you’d have to buy otherwise.

Startup Defender 3.2 Giveaway
$19.95
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — Startup Defender 3.2

Startup Defender is a small program that sits in your Windows tray and constantly monitors the startup locations on your PC.
$19.95 EXPIRED
User rating: 261 61 comments

Startup Defender 3.2 was available as a giveaway on October 24, 2011!

Today Giveaway of the Day
$36.00
free today
Download music from 1000+ sites anytime and anywhere!

Startup Defender is a small program that sits in your Windows tray and constantly monitors the startup locations on your PC. If a program tries to write itself into any startup location Startup Defender will popup windows and ask if the program is allowed to place itself to start automatically with Windows. Also you can disable/enable any programs that are currently installed to startup auotmatically.

If there is an entry that you are not sure what it is, you can Google it and to see if it is needed or even harmful and choose if you want it to load at startup or not. For the annoying programs that try to repeatedly place themselves in the autorun for Windows you can click the auto block so that Startup Defender stops them with out you having to bother with them any more.

System Requirements:

Windows XP/ Vista/ 7 (x32/x64)

Publisher:

Zards Software

Homepage:

http://www.zardssoftware.com/startup/startup.html

File Size:

1.55 MB

Price:

$19.95

GIVEAWAY download basket

Developed by Informer Technologies, Inc.
Developed by IObit
Developed by Garmin Ltd or its subsidiaries
Developed by Disc Soft Ltd.

Comments on Startup Defender 3.2

Thank you for voting!
Please add a comment explaining the reason behind your vote.
#61

I installed this on XP SP3 no problems, but I uninstalled it because I don't see anything here STARTUP.CPL (a single file I can copy from computer to computer) isn't already doing for me and it's only weighing in at 82kb.

I'm sorry sometimes software needs to get a bad review, it doesn't mean the software is completely useless, it just means it got a bad review.

I also decided to post because I didn't see startup.cpl mentioned anywhere in this thread, or including searching this entire website. (maybe people just don't know about it?)

okay so the official name is startup control panel. it's basically one file startup.cpl which lives in your windows\system32 directory.
I'd also like to mention this whole thing is small (81k) like it should be Startup.cpl Bytes 81,920

On the other hand, I'd have to say this is for advanced, power users, of legacy (I hate that term) systems. e.g. You know what a startup virus or it's scripting looks like when you see it, and you've memorized which processes are supposed to be running, what processes you can kill and you keep a tight ship watching and controlling your processes depending on your goal which is to be productive and get your work done in audio, video and while connected to the web in a hostile environment. If you have these skills and goals, this software is for you.

I would also mention because it was a cpl, I have scripted my copy (among many other tasks.)

Although if you are the type with a desktop full of icons and willing to take your time and learn about your system, it will happily stay on your desktop as a link right next to my computer.

Personally I can not tolerate any clutter. When your work involves killing processes constantly, you start scripting your box up to behave. This is part of my toolbox to get this goal realized.

The author is Mike Lin (I don't know him or affiliate with him)
And the website is: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

Thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by fredward  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#60

Feature required - startup delayer


The excellent WinPatrol has it.
Another program to look at is startup delayer from r2.com.au

Reply   |   Comment by vietnamrum  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#59

I've been using Startup Defender for years and I love it. Yes, this DOES stop attempted malware installations that antivirus misses. MSCONFIG never does that and I wish people who think they know it all and who made false claims about MSCONFIG would stop posting here - please!

I highly recommend this. If you don't, at least consider another startup monitor.

Reply   |   Comment by Mr. Snoozles  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#58

I agree with some comments in post #26 and #36...

Relating to comment #2...

----------------------------------------

How to troubleshoot configuration errors by using the System Configuration utility...

...The System Configuration utility helps you find problems...It does not manage the programs that run when Windows starts.

For more information about disabling or permanently removing the programs that run when Windows starts, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

270035 How to disable programs that run when you start Windows XP Home Edition or Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560

==================================================

I uninstalled Startup Defender version 2, restarted my computer...and it launched at boot. (???)

Reply   |   Comment by S!ick  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#57

Just to clarify my earlier post - for Windows 7 with UAC turned ON, the application does not play nicely. (giving the trial expired error because it can't access the registry).

I had to manually set the file to run as administrator to stop it complaining when it auto ran on system startup. It would be *much* nicer (given than most novice users would have UAC turned on) if it did that as part of setup, or at least mentioned somewhere that it needed to be done.

Reply   |   Comment by BlackKitten  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#56

I'll put in a plug for Anvir Task Manager. It gave me start-up program alerts when WinPatrol failed to do so. I've disconnected WinPatrol. Plus it gives a whole lot of other system information.

Anvir Task Manager doesn't seem to get much attention. I'm no super-tech but I've looked at several system-info programs and, though not based on a lot of analysis, this is my favorite.

Reply   |   Comment by Chip W  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#55

I hope it's not too late late to get my two cents in. I downloaded this with no errors on Windows 7 x64 and upon reboot got this Microsoft.NET Framework 'Requested registry access is not allowed error' -
http://imgur.com/HraK7
Full detailed report here:
http://tinypaste.com/41e11128

I got this the last time it was offered here and found it useful. WinPatrol is good but even the pro version doesn't have the feature to 'Always remember to prevent this start-up request' so I get asked repeatedly by WinPatrol Pro if I want allow a start-up, also it let's some slip by so I recommend combining WinPatrol or this with SpywareGuard 2.2 which is only 2MBs and warns of start-ups, homepage hijackers and other malware. It's free and doesn't conflict with any other type of protection.

In sum, I give this a todays offer a thumbs up. Great interface and effective tool to stop stubborn programs that insist on runbning at start-up.

Reply   |   Comment by softwarejunkie  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#54

Bernard #27 already mentioned Startup Monitor. I do the same as what he mentioned, i.e. prefer to disable the applications that insert themselves to start-up AFTER they have done it. Less bothersome this way and no permanent load on the PC.

Teatimer bundled with SpyBot (freeware) already does the startup intrusion warning function, although some say it guzzles CPU capacity.

Reply   |   Comment by ric  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#53

I tried this program in the past. It works as described. It's a very good one IMO. However, some were never permanently accepted. After powering on or rebooting I would have 1-3 that "required my attention". It was as simple as clicking the tray and allowing them to start. However, I uninstalled it eventually. I tried to tinker with it, but, couldn't find the issue. If you don't mind it or can figure it out then I would highly recommend it! Either way, I still think you should try it out. Heck, that issue may have been fixed in this release.

Reply   |   Comment by Jay  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#52

Does anyone know how to get the S/N to register?

Reply   |   Comment by Joe  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#51

I use the TeaTimer function in Spybot Search & Destroy, it blocks spyware very effectively - and has a startup manager as well. Or have a look at Microsoft Essentials, a free AV/spyware and startup manager. Utilities are fine to have, but please don't reinvent the wheel every time.

Reply   |   Comment by DaveTheCompGuy  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#50

I have the same problem as poster #23. The registration program says program is registered but I get an error message when I attempt to run the program and, if I click on continue, I get the message that my version is not registered. Running Windows 7 Pro 64.

Reply   |   Comment by JimG  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#49

I have been using this since a previous giveaway, and I'm quite pleased with it. It does what it says it will do: whenever something tries to attach to my startup, whether I am installing a new program or not, I get a warning. I can choose to allow or block the program.

My only complaint is that, once I have auto-blocked a program, every time it tries again to attach to my startup, I get a very cryptic pop-up. It would be nice if Startup Defender gave more/clearer information about whatever program it is currently trying to block.

Reply   |   Comment by RWall  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#48

#31: "My question is does Startup Defender monitor startup locations that others don’t? One of the problems today is malware, such as fake AV, auto-start from non-standard locations. I would like to find a startup monitor that includes these locations, such as “\all users\apps data” and \current user\apps data”."

AFAIK most all similar apps check the 2 or 3 Run keys in the registry, + the Startup folder in the Start Menu. Startup Defender also checks one entry for the shell. Autoruns [Sysinternals at microsoft.com] lists everything that starts with Windows, but it won't monitor anything -- you have to run scans manually, then read the results -- & it will happily let you break your system, e.g. let you disable a driver Windows needs.

Malware can (& often does) disguise itself to look like a legitimately running Windows process or service so the average person can look right at it in Task Mgr. etc. & think all is well -- AV software **hopefully** will spot it, though too often it doesn't. Really nasty malware currently circulating adds itself to the 1st track of your system hard drive, the track that's read before Windows, & when that part starts it tells Windows not to recognize, not to *see* the malware files at all. Then another part of the malware starts with Windows, often pretending to be a driver, so the only way to disable autostart is with Autoruns or by manually editing the registry -- even then another portion of the same malware might re-enable any autostart entries you just got rid of. As if that isn't enough, malware can also terminate apps as soon as they start, e.g. so you can't even run Autoruns without using some tricks of your own.

The 2 folders you mention are just data storage -- an app may reside there just like anywhere else on your drive(s) & be autostarted by an entry in the registry.

* * *

#32: "... this is good as it will tell you if something as been added to your startup, msconfig will not tell you that something as been added unless you use it..."

A relatively quick alternative to adding & running a separate app is to manually check the Start Menu's Startup folder yourself, then do the same thing for the 2 or 3 Run keys in the registry -- there are 2 for 32 bit, 3 for 64 bit Windows, & you can easily add those 2 or 3 keys to Regedit's Favorites menu.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#47

Start Defender is a small app that can watch for new additions to the list of apps that start with Windows, plus it lets you add or delete autostart entries. The program window's "Startup Programs" tab lists categories & entries for the registry Run keys, for Windows Shell, & for the Start Menu's Startup folder -- right-clicking an entry [app] brings up a context menu where you can run that app or get more info, e.g. you can perform a Google search, though that search is on the process rather than file name which *might* be more useful. Also when you click or select an entry, the lower 1/3 of the program window shows you info about that app [basically what you'd see if you right-clicked the file, selected properties, then went to the Version tab], & there's what looks like a on/off switch, but it isn't... it just shows if an autostart entry has been disabled or not [note that you might have to click the Refresh button for it to show a recent change].

Click on the "Processes" tab & you get a list of running apps/processes same as with Windows' Task Mgr., & like Task Mgr. you can set the priority or shut one down. Here you can also add processes to the lower 1/3 of the window, which adds them to the app's banned list [the devs have mistakenly labeled it Band], which means whenever Startup Defender starts it will close or kill (your choice) any process on that list. The "Services" tab shows you a simpler view of your installed services than you'll get with Windows own tool [Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services] -- services are either Red [Stopped] or Green [Running], & you can start/stop or pause/resume.

Installation added the "Startup defender" program folder with 8 files taking up ~2 MB, while setup & activation adds 4 keys to the registry, including adding Start Defender to the HKLM Run key so that it too starts with Windows. When you uncheck the box to disable an app's autostart entry in the registry, that entry is deleted & a copy is stored in HKCU\ Software\ Startup Defender\ -- when you disable an autostart entry in the Start Menu Startup folder, the shortcut's moved to a new, hidden "Disabled" folder that's added to that Startup folder.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#46

Yes, other (free) software does this. Yes, it could be better. But, yes, it is free, at least for today. If you wouldn't pay $20 for this, then fine. But if it does as advertised (which it does), don't put a negative vote on it just for that!

Reply   |   Comment by Steven J  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#45

I take it this is for new computer users who don't know what msconfig is.

Reply   |   Comment by tom  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#44

#31 Victek: thank you for raising the question that I would like to be answered, too, namely, does this or any other such app monitor and "police", if you will, non-standard start-up locations in Windows, esp. Win7 in my case, like the ones you listed? BTW, I know lots of you must be fanboys of WinPatrol judging from the comments above, but when I tried it back when I had XP, it caused my extremem annoyance due to a steady stream of alerts that I had to stop what I was doing to handle. I such hope they've come up with a whitelist or something comparable because I would never use that program again unless they did.

Reply   |   Comment by internetexplorer  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#43

Does it use .NET? I hope not!

Reply   |   Comment by Tammy Davis  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#42

I hear the comments on using a variety of methods to reduce startup's (msconfig etc.) Often the problem is knowing what the filename's of the startup items listed refer to in relation to what is going on with your PC. You can Google them but that's a lot of time especially if you spend time Googling stuff that it is fine to have running.
An alternative is to know the hidden stuff that your computer is actually spending it's time doing. Not a competitor to the item on offer here but if you are interested in this program then you might also like this free one that for me solved the problem I mentioned above. It continuously tells you what your computer is doing allows you to freeze the monitoring and examine the thing that is at or near the top of the list. It is like Windows task manager but continuously and instantly sorts and brings to the top the task that is using your resources in real time. With this you have a much better idea what to stop from starting.
http://www.itsth.com/en/produkte/Whats-my-computer-doing.php?fromwmcd

Reply   |   Comment by David Murphy  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#41

#12- according to Browser Sentinal's website, it's a $40 program-not freeware. Is there a freeware version available?

Reply   |   Comment by ds5929  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#40

First i would like to point out to mess with the MSCONFIG function of windows is for ADVANCED USERS ONLY as not knowing and understanding MSCONFIG cna result in yous system not functioning properly or not being able to use the system.

If you know what you are doing with MSCONFIG then it is a great tool for AFTER THE FACT and not as a PREVENTITIVE MEASURE.

Now onto Startup defender

While Startup defender does do what it says on the tin with great detection results, it does not do as much as the likes of WinPatrol's free version unfortunatly, however startup defender has great potential for the future and i wil be keeping a look out for the upcoming updates.

However i will still be using WinPatrol which woof's me every time a change wants to be made.

As an alternative i also recommend Spybot serch & destroy's tea timer function and can be run alongside WinPatrol with ease

Admin @ http://torfaenpcrepair.webs.com
Fanpage facebook.com/torfaenpcrepair

Our site and fanpage are both new and not yet published to the public

Reply   |   Comment by Admin  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#39

More of the same.
StartupMonitor is a small utility that runs transparently (it doesn't even use a tray icon) and notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup. It prevents annoying programs from registering themselves behind your back.

http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml

Only 60 kb. Freeware.

Reply   |   Comment by ric  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#38

#26

Using msconfig start up tab will help eliminate STARTUP PROGRAMS that you don't want to be on when the computer starts, not parts of windows operating system, so there should not be boot up problems. Select the startup TAB after entering msconfig in the run command window and study which items are checked. Most of the items are easy to identify, but if you are not sure of the names of an item to keep or uncheck, you can google the item to understand it or test each one separately by un-checking it and rebooting the computer to figure out which program was turned off. You would want to keep basic items like your antivirus, firewall, antispyware programs, etc. checked so your computer in protected while connected to the internet. Knowledge provides increased comfort.

Reply   |   Comment by hondo  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#37

Install was problem-free, XP.
Startup Defender v3.2.3.0.

Very basic program.
Basic, but clear & usable interface.

Google search uses your default browser (a good thing).

Startup Programs listed coincided with what Sysinternals Autoruns listed in its "Logon" category. (Autoruns then lists LOTS of other stuff, but not directly related to "logon".)

Processes shows processes. Not a whole lot to it. No confirmation on a Kill. Highlight a process, click Kill & it does it no questions asked.

Services shows services. Not a whole lot to it. Start, stop, pause, resume. Color coded; green for running, red for stopped.

No help, but then is any really needed?

I did not check the "monitoring" aspect of the program (though it said it was). (Seem to recall earlier versions of the program may have needed a restart, though this one did not.)

Program is < 2 MB in size. Using a (relatively hefty given what it is & does) 25 MB of memory, but that's probably immaterial.

And that's it in a nutshell, basic program, basic interface, looks to do what it says.

But... (And I haven't read through the posts) though I'm sure more viable alternatives are listed. So that leaves you with something that does what it says, but leaves you wanting more. And its competition does more, even if more technical in nature.

Reply   |   Comment by therube  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)
#36

@#2 read #11's reply.

Thanks SD and GOTD, a handy/realistic program for 'Mr average' within their use of the net and downloading of 'dodgy' programs/wares.

I like this software, but, and a BIG but..why has this program been created?...mabey the fact far too many rely on P-2-P and the likes for ware's and are then "omg wtf is going on?"

I say, download and you get what you get....please don't feel the need for a secondary program to protect you for the s*** you basically steal.....

Amazed you can turn your PC on if i'm honest.

Reply   |   Comment by adydb  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-25)
#35

@ post 19, Ivan:

Seeing as how you haven't quite grasped comments made on here by others who were actually being constructive:

1) This is a single-function app which, for some unfathomable reason, the developer thinks people will pay $20 for.

2) Countless other developers include this app as standard in the multi-function software they provide and have provided for. . . Years.

3) WinPatrol, by Bill Pytlovany, brought the computing world a Start Up monitor 15 years before today's developer got round to it. And Bill offered it as part of a stunningly comprehensive suite of apps that do infinitely more than cover just one function . Oh, and he still offers Winpatrol. . . for nothing.

3) CCleaner is in use by millions of satisfied computer owners. CCleaner includes, as standard, a number of apps with different functionalities. One of them is a Startup Manager. And CCleaner is free.

The GAOTDers you so dismissively patronise, Ivan, have been trying to save you the trouble of bandwidth wastage on an entirely unnecessary download. Trying to save you the pointlessness of installing an app you can never re-install unless you pay for it. And also:

Trying to remind developers such as today's that computer users aren't stupid, and that attempting to flog 'em (for $20) a single-function app that's actually a mere component of tried and tested free software elsewhere is a waste of their time as well as ours.

PS: I have DL'd this and tried it. An overly intrusive memory-hogger, it's beaten hands down by Bill's little Scotty dog. Perhaps if you compare the WinPatrol website with the website of the developer of today's offering, you'll understand why. . .

Reply   |   Comment by MikeR  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+40)
#34

I was unaware of WinPatrol before today and thought I would take a look at it. Previously I complained about the amount of memory today's offering took, WinPatrol takes less than a quarter.
One interesting aspect of it is, Start Delay in the Pro version, with it you can stagger the start-up times of each program on boot.
In my programs that are by necessity slow to load, I allow the user to modify this as it does improve boot times when you can stop programs all fighting for CPU usage on start-up.
Certainly with it you obtain a much more useful program for your extra nine dollars than for today's ridiculously priced offering.
Man #30
My other ones got bells on!

Reply   |   Comment by OldScotty  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#33

1, msconfig will not do what this program will do, msconfig does not monitor your startup.
2, Windows as not got this built in.
3, antivirus does not do what this will do.
4, if you install lots of software this is good as it will tell you if something as been added to your startup, msconfig will not tell you that something as been added unless you use it.
thankyou Zards and GAOTD

Reply   |   Comment by buck  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+16)
#32

As many of have said there are numerous startup monitoring programs. My question is does Startup Defender monitor startup locations that others don't? One of the problems today is malware, such as fake AV, auto-start from non-standard locations. I would like to find a startup monitor that includes these locations, such as "\all users\apps data" and \current user\apps data".

Reply   |   Comment by Victek  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+12)
#31

Hello GAOTD, this is a great software, after installing this i can see my PC has become a little faster during boot time.
Good job, who are paying you for your work. keep up

I really like this software.
Thumbs up.

Reply   |   Comment by Man  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-35)
#30

Today's giveaway is a nice tool that does what it claims effectively and flawlessly...so THUMBS UP from me.

But why pay 20 BUCKS for a program like this if you can do the same things and more with the award winning and always FREE WinPatrol??

There is also a pretty unknown free and excellent tool, I've been happily using for a while, called "StartUp Eye" that performs exatly the same task as STARTUP DEFENDER, with the only difference that it's...FREEEEE (sounds good, right dudes?? LOL!!):

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/StartupEye.shtml


So sorry ZARDS Software guys but 20 Bucks for a tool like this is a little bit overpriced and be sold easily, unless your potential customers haven't a clue about the above mentioned freeware of course...LOL!

In addition to it, for a final professional touch I suggest you using the following two tools as well:

http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Process-Revealer-Free-Edition-Download-113704.html

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Launchers-Shutdown-Tools/Shadow-Slash-Teknologies-Startup-Manager.shtml


The first one enables you to detect and kill HIDDEN PROCESSES and STARTUP ENTRIES, which cannot be found both by (faulty) Windows Task Manager and other similar apps, by providing users detailed info about each process running on their PC, so that they know whether a process is related to a malicious program or not.

COOL, isn't it?

The second free tool mentioned above allows you to manage and even edit any suspicious STARTUP ENTRIES, sitting in the registry of your system, in a very secure and professiona way that even a noob can do it without any hassle.

And to dramatically speedup the boot process of your Windows machine, just use superb freeware like SOLUTO and or STARTUP DELAYER.

Then, to check out how much speed your system has gained during boot, use this free GEM:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/BootRacer.shtml


So who said we have to pay $$$$ to have a PC in perfect shape?

Enjoy everything for FREE!!


Cheers from Italy!!

Giovanni

Reply   |   Comment by Giovanni  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#29

Startup Eye has same function. It is free.

http://tcpmonitor.altervista.org/download/?did=15

StartupEye is a small and simple program that runs in the system tray and monitors the registry for any programs that set themselves to start automatically with Windows. If it detects a new entry, it pops up an alert dialog and gives you the option to either accept or delete the newly added startup key.

Reply   |   Comment by ric  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+13)
#28

Pros
- Green color for running services and red color for stopped services.

Cons
- Fix your homepage. Its filled with dead 404 & misleading links.
- I like to decide where my program is stored. Please add that option.
- Activate program don´t work. "Failed to connect"
- Find another icon. It is confusing with the same icon for more than one program.
- Fix those service buttons they don´t respond

I prefer to enter the settings in the registry manual. That is the only way that I know 100% what works or what goes wrong !

Overall, this is the type of program that you typically only use once, once you install the program and once when a new program is installed.
This program is not worth $20, because all programs, (which can be started with Windows), asks you about it on install, so that offsets this programs features.

Reply   |   Comment by Trucker  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-8)
#27

Obviously running unnecessary programs (even this one) at start-up can slow your computer. The choice is between preventing the creation of start-up entries in the registry by using a monitor like this or disabling them later with Msconfig or a utilities program. I would now prefer to disable them later to reduce the permanent load on my old machine. For those who found Startup Defender heavy on memory, a very light (60KB) free program I used to use is StartupMonitor by Mike Lin; it has not, however, officially been tested beyond XP.

Reply   |   Comment by Bernard  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+15)
#26

All those claiming they can use msconfig to do what this software does...
do not understand what this software does nor msconfig.
You keep telling novice users to use msconfig to change startup programs without explaining what not to mess with is just going to cause them problems.
NOTE: if you turn off certain things on startup in msconfig, your computer can fail to boot... Then what?
Just because somone can post on this site, does not necessarily mean they know anything about computers.
Go ahead and mess around in msconfig and see how little some really know!

Reply   |   Comment by classapcs  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+22)
#25

@ # 21 Trucker, Wow, You're comparing a $ 20.00 software to a $ 200,000.00 Ferrari? How about comparing it to a birthday cake. You pay around $ 20.00 for a decent cake. You don't get candles, plates, forks etc. And then you eat the cake and it's gone but you still have the software which you can get for free right here today.

Reply   |   Comment by Rich M  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-19)
#24

Does the same as "Disable Startup." It is a free startup manager and monitoring software of www.disablestartup.com: it can scan all Windows Startups on your computer, and monitor all new startup items, provide protecting for Windows Startup from changes, it can helps you to optimize Windows startup, alert when new items are added. Disable Startup can monitor Internet Explorer start pages changes too. This is one good tool to control and manage software that will start automatically when Windows boots. You can enable/disable selected items that you want.

The ZoneAlarm program can do all that too plus locks the HOST file.

Reply   |   Comment by Heri  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#23

startup defender does NOT work on windows 7
Installed program then ran the reg program, which says it is registered
When you try to use it: first it chucks up an error, saying it is trying to mess with the registry then it chucks up an error splash screen saying it is unregistered.

Reply   |   Comment by Merv H  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#22

This program do the same thing as most, (if not all) anti-virus programs have build in. Even Windows have this function as default. What is the point ?

For me it look like a new era of programs with only one function and is now going to be sold as standalone programs. Does that mean that I have to buy my next car piece by piece ?

At the nearest carsale stands:
- I would like to buy the newest Ferrari, how much is it ?
- Sir, that depends on type of: front- & rearlight, rims, tires, engine, seats, seatbelts, steeringwheel, color of the chasis... blah blah blah... that you choose !
- Just like the Ferrari you have over there...
- Okay, Sir, I need to ask, if you can bring the Ferrari home yourself ?
- Yeah !?! I have a driver licens for a 18-wheeler, so a little car like the Ferrari is not a problem.
- I understand Sir. Do you like to take some of the Ferrari with you today or do you come and get all of it some other day when you´re driving the 18-wheeler ?
- What ?!?
- Yes Sir... or do you want us to deliver the Ferrari to a garage near your home ? Or do you prefer to build your Ferrari in your own garage ?
- What ???!???

Reply   |   Comment by Trucker  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-31)
#21

Problem with registration box.

Uninstalled previous version 2.8 and installed version 3.2).

The box is showing before program starts and indicating that the trail period expired!

Reply   |   Comment by bongo  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-8)
#20

Any decent HIPS/security/anti-virus software will already monitor for malicious startup changes. If you're relying on this, either your security software is inadequate or your using suspenders and a belt.

Reply   |   Comment by Rolo  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-17)
#19

People people people.If you don't like it or am not going to use it.
The manufactures are placing these software for use. Your choice.
to download and try.Lets not knock someone who is good enough to allow
you to try it.Some of you sound like you are looking for
something to bitch about.GAOTD thank you for having this site for
anyone to try a new product.Manufactures thank you for
allowing us to use your product. Keep it going. Thanks

Reply   |   Comment by Ivan  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-14)
#18

I have come to sing the praises of Bill's WinPatrol. I don't think much else is required when Scotty is around.
This is probably a good enough piece of software and if I didn't have WinPatrol on board would most certainly give it a whirl.
Thank you GOTD.

Reply   |   Comment by jkieran  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+9)
#17

I have used a free software called SOLUTO. http://www.soluto.com/ This allows the end user to select which programs they want to start at startup. It has more functionality than just startup and is advertised as Anti Frustration software. Well worth having a look at.

Reply   |   Comment by Zimbo  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#16

Thanks for the giveaway, but i can do this much comfortably with msconfig then manage my startups in my windows

Reply   |   Comment by Jeremiah  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-32)
#15

For those of you suggesting that Windows already has this functionality in msconfig, you are misleading others. I am an avid fan of Winpatrol as a startup manager...I have used it for many years. Msconfig allows you to "uncheck" boxes for programs that you don't want to start when the system boots. It does not warn you when something wants to insert itself into the startup process (like Startup Defender and Winpatrol). In the end, msconfig is a very valuable tool and has some important functions. However, it is not necessarily a "replacement" for commercial start up software.

Reply   |   Comment by Johnson  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+30)
#14

I've run this program for several months on an XP box and like it. It sits quietly in your task bar notifying you when a program tries to add itself to your computer's startup. This is very useful software (I'm a PC tech with over 15 yrs. experience).

The bane of novice and expert PC users alike are programs that, unbeknownst to the user, add themselves to your computer's startup. Then people wonder why their computers are so slow - it's because of all the programs starting with your computer, running in the background chewing up your computer's resources. Abode reader, iTunes, Real Player and printer software are notorious for this.

Yes you can use msconfig to stop programs from running at startup, but that's after-the-fact. What this unobtrusive software does is notify you before a program can add itself to your startup, asking you to allow or not. Obviously, the user has to have some knowledge of what programs to allow or not, but a good rule-of-thumb is allow antivirus and firewalls and block the rest. I give Startup Defender a thumbs up!

Reply   |   Comment by shegeek72  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+11)
#13

Anvir has been available here a few times, too, I've started using it ever since. By the looks today's giveaway has only one feature of that software's *free* version. Site: http://www.anvir.com/
I fail to see how the price is reasonable for today's giveaway tbh.

Reply   |   Comment by ptoberl  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#12

Not to detract from this software title, but I've been using Browser Sentinal for a long time. Whenever a program tries to make these sorts of changes to start up locations or add a new BHO it pops up to tell you. I find it just so handy. It's free to.

Reply   |   Comment by FluffChop  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-4)
Add a comment

iPhone app giveaways »

Tilterpillar Giveaway
Play this classic game of "snake" by tilting your device as a controller.
$1.99 ➞ free today
C.H.A.D. Giveaway
A collection of animated stickers about the pool season.
$0.99 ➞ free today
App Secret Giveaway
App Secret offers you a new way to protect your data and keep all the important information untouched.
$1.99 ➞ free today
Modern Ludo Giveaway
Use your bullet to destroy all enemies!
$4.99 ➞ free today
Calendar Widget - Date Widgets Giveaway
Calendar Widget is the app you need for customising your home screen with beautiful calendar.
$0.99 ➞ free today

Android app giveaways »

klocki Giveaway
A relaxing game, loaded with lots of different features.
$0.99 ➞ free today
3D EARTH PRO - local forecast Giveaway
Meet the wonderful 3D Earth. The most beautiful app, ever!
$9.99 ➞ free today
Heat Pump Calculator Giveaway
Installing heat pumps to meet your heating and cooling needs is becoming increasingly popular.
$1.49 ➞ free today
52 Card - Learn & Practice Card Counting Giveaway
52 card lets you learn to count cards in the simplest and easiest way possible.
$1.49 ➞ free today
Passport Photo: ID Photo Print Giveaway
Passport Photo - ID Photo Print is a powerful passport photo editor that will adjust your passport size photo properly.
$4.99 ➞ free today