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Startup Defender 1.9.5 was available as a giveaway on October 13, 2009!
Startup Defender is a small program that sits in your Windows tray and constantly monitors in real time the startup locations on your PC to help prevent programs from auto starting up behind your back. If a program tries to write itself into any startup location Startup Defender will popup a 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 you are not sure what it is then you can Google it to see if it is needed or even harmful and choose if you want it to load it 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.
Windows 2003, XP, 2000, 98, Me, Vista; Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
1.21 MB
$19.95
When are we going to get something decent again... like the Visio-like diagramming tool ?
VENDORS -give up trying to sell antivirus, clean-up and converter utilities... why would you continue to waste your time squeezing blood out of turnips? There are 1001 free alternatives to any of those categories. Turn your development to some cool Web 2.0 stuff.
- Ric
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I have Vista Home Premium 32 bit. I've tried everything setup as admin, activation as admin, rebooting. I get messages from GOTD saying its activated but when I open the program its does not show that it is registered. I have gone through it several times but same result. I am a great fan of GOTD but cant understand why the same registration problems keep re-ocurring. I have done exactly as the text instructions plus followed some tips from other posters. If that doesnt work then something must be wrong with the instructions. There has to be a better way. Looks like I'm almost out of time so this is one I'm not going to get in spite of repeated attempts
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Well I'm having the same activation problems that lots of other people seem to be having. I ran the install as admin. Then ran the activate as admin. Then rebooted. Then started the program. It's not registered. Win 7 Enterprise x64. Maybe it's a 64 bit problem.
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msconfig
1. Built in to windows
2. Free
3. Easy to use
Why install software to eliminate software...
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sorry, i forgot to run as administrator. i didnt read comment no.48. the software successfully registered. im not stress anymore
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Sorry Zards And Thank you fubar! Sysinternals Suite, update Oct 7, 2009, http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb842062.aspx
has me Gasping (trying to not giggle like a little girl). The 'autoruns' program within shows me stuff I doubt I've Ever seen, and I've done this a Long time. It appears to be portable, and lack a 'suite GUI' but this thing is SWEET.
Kudos to GOATD for keeping the pot boiling, whether I get the featured proggy or find a freeware GEM like this!
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Thanks Mike. Activated fine when activate.exe run as administrator.
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#33: "I cannot get this program to show I am registered have tried several reinstalls following #16 i.e not running until after i run activation – only result is unregistered/trial."
#43: "Still it give error not registred after running the activation..."
#44: "Installed on windows XP pro x64 Insists it’s not registered!"
Running Activate.exe adds a key & a couple of values to the registry under HKLM. In order to work Windows has to allow Activate.exe to add those entries, which means you need admin privileges, i.e. run as admin., if needed turn off A/V software etc. 64 bit Windows adds another section to the registry that's not there with 32 bit... the developer's site doesn't say anything about 64 bit that I saw, so maybe it's not 64 bit Windows compatible?
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Probably work only for XP 32 biti.You ,like a beta tester will inform company for what they don't test it.Up it not say :what XP or what Vista is working good.
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Startup Defender is a small .NET utility [just over 1 MB] that monitors & gathers data from 4 places: from Windows' Services display [Control Panel -> Admin tools -> Services], Task Mgr.'s Processes tab [right click task bar -> Task Mgr], the Start Menu [Start Menu => Startup folder], & the Registry Run keys [type regedit in the start menu Run box, click OK, navigate to the following keys, & add a bookmark under the Favorites menu].
In XP SP3 32: "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" & "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"
In 64 bit Windows like win7, add: "[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]"
In XP SP3 32 I didn't find Startup Defender adding much to the registry, it didn't add anything to any of the Windows' system folders, & in fact it looks like it can be made to run from USB stick using Portable App Creator [from the portableapps.com forums] -- note that no .NET app can ever really be called portable, because of the need for .NET being installed. I suspect many in Vista & 7 will need to run the Activate.exe app as admin. to ensure keys/values get written as they should in the registry.
The running app shows as an icon over next to the clock to the right of the TaskBar -- right clicking it gives you 4 options: open the main window, start/stop monitoring, & Exit. The main window opens to show you what's included in the Registry Run keys, & in the Start Menu Startup folder -- clear the checkbox next to any you don't want. The Processes/Services tab lets you start/stop items in those 2 lists. Closing the Window exits the app, so if you want to go back to the tray, minimize it.
Alternatives: in a word, Autoruns from Systems Internals at Microsoft.com, unless you just want to DIY using Windows' built-in tools. [Auto-starting & running an app, precisely to limit auto-starting & running apps, strikes me as ironic. ;-) ]
***However,*** for Services simply use the tool that Windows provides... If you want to optimize Windows or just need info there are several sites that list most every Windows Service, recommendations for setting that service, & what happens if you set a particular service to one of the 3 or 4 available choices. Many services can just be set to Manual, & Windows will start them when/if needed, rather than automatically starting & consuming resources, or in rare cases screwing with software processes [on a single core system, 3 or 4 Windows' Services can interfere with video encoding for example]. Vista introduced a delayed auto-start for when conflicts happen. Some services should be disabled when unused to increase security, & others like BlueTooth can be turned off if you never use them. There may be (rare) cases where you want to manually control a service yourself -- the service for my tablet driver is incompatible with 7's Pen Services, so I turn it on via a start menu shortcut when I want to use it for graphics, leave it off for Windows stuff -- I also have Cyberlink/ATI TV software installed, but rarely use it, so I manually turn on the rather intrusive services it requires through a shortcut as well.
Summary:
Apps starting with Windows is far, FAR from the problem it used to be, & it's not a big deal to keep track of [& optionally remove] most any of them manually -- I just checked the startup folder & the 2 run keys in the registry, & it took less than 20 seconds -- but if you feel Startup Defender might make it easier for you, I can't see any reason not to go for it... its display is certainly less confusing than the more capable Autoruns. To me the Services listing is more or less useless, since you can't set a service to manual or disabled & cure a problem -- only start/stop them -- & needing to just start/stop a service is somewhat rare.
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Installed on windows XP pro x64 Insists it's not registered! no matter what I do.
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Still it give error not registred after running the activation files on Window Vista, i try 2 -3 time but say not registred, asking the key.....how to registred
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Startup managers can be helpful, especially when rogue programs install nasty stuff that always wants to "phone home". Personally, I will stick with Anvir as it has saved my arse many times & I am already familiar with how it works.
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Good evening to all :-)
Your concept is (of course) very good.
But you only offer the same kind of GOTD: video, disk, time, start-up... Just check the history. A while ago, it was screen savers :-)
I am a daily visitor and sometimes downloader.
But I didn't download since a while... Why? Think about it. All the same kind of programs... Repeat and repeat again... Once is good enough except some good improvements are offered.
I remember a while ago, you had a broader choice (statistics...).
I don't know... But why always the same kind of software you already offered in the past?
I know I am supposed to comment on the today's GOFTD... But still...
Maybe after a while, we won't visit you on a daily basis...
Or maybe you can't attract other developers?
You have so many visitors who comment on your offers. No way to put a price on it! But if you only provide the same stuff day after day, you may fail on your business plan and lose your followers ( I am one of them).
Think about that.
Cheers.
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Just for reference, two of the difficulties with msconfig are that it only allows you to disable - and not remove - unwanted items, and it treats the disabling as if you've modified the "normal" startup routine - even though that's really the fault of the unwanted software. So you get an annoying boot notice every time that Windows isn't starting up normally.
At least Defender and the others allow you to delete the unwanted entries.
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At me is no need to reboot.Work without reboot.
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What i don't like at this soft is:they don't give me serial number for free.Is a joke.
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Winsonar is another excellent freeware alternative. It is an awesome program. Been using it for years with no issues on my XP machines. :).
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To #4, #6, #10 and others experiencing registration problems: It's possible the problem could be because this program itself autostarts. If it is already running, (started becuase of the reboot noted by #29 during install) then activate might be unable to finish its job properly.
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For#30Lou.Yes first is Setup,but not open program after install(uncheck launching),next close also after it say:Succesfull Activated(after you run Activate and it say that is activated).And first is need to have dotnet(net framework), to be on your computer.After you have dotnet on computer,install this soft.Dotnet exist on Microsoft site.My dotnet is 3,5 Sp1 and with another update,and work even up it say to be dotnet 2.0.
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Seems like a useful Giveaway, but I've been using WinPatrol Plus for years and see no need to change. Sorry.
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I cannot get this program to show I am registered have tried several reinstalls following #16 i.e not running until after i run activation - only result is unregistered/trial.
Though I do not have a startup (active) monitor - I do use freeware Starter 5.x by codestuff, to manage startups and processes and services - gives a similar but more complete readout and ability to launch, disable/enable or delete unwanted startup entries ...Terminate processes, change states on services
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number 23 as always people need to check there facts before placing comments in this forum Softpedia has not stoped hosting Comodo software at all as anybody can see if they go to the Softpedia site i am there every day and download all the time from there and i check 2 or 3 times over a couple of hours to see ifthere is a issue with software downloads before even thinking of puting pen to paper so to speak to start flaming a company for nothosting check check and double check asume nothing on here after all this is the internet and you can cut yourself 1 minute and people will say next min have you heard he died last night it was a real mess
william
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Tried #16's method.. STILL not registered.. also, the instructions simply say run setup then activation
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Downloaded fine.
Installs fine.
Registration file works OK but need a reboot.
After reboot the program sits nice in the taskbar.
Click the taskbar icon to maximize but the program does not check the used resolution setting of that time(i use a eeepc that startup with 800x480 but it change while booting up using Astray Plus to 800x600)so in my situation it does not maximize correctly.
For a program that monitors startup i think this is a weak point so i recommend Zards Software to have a look at this.
Also a miss is that the program does not minimize when you click the icon in the taskbar again.
When you use the terminate button in the right hand corner the program does terminate.
Well wile this is off course correct i do think for a program like this it is not good without a warning.
Many monitoring programs minimize back in the taskbar and can be killed there by a right click off the mouse in the popup menu.
Also a miss is that i did not find any startup delay and well that is just a thing i would definitely want in a program like this.
All together it is quit a nice program that also includes a taskmanager but then again there are just so many better and free alternatives at this time ore even combination of two free programs doing the same ore more using less resources.
When a program sets it's self in the startup you are getting a nice popup in the right corner asking you if you agree yes or no (good clear and friendly looking popup).
I conclude nice program but not for me the offer is good does feel like the real deal no cheekyware good stuff.
Uninstall dirty leaves files and folders (not good) and gave Revo uninstall a job to do.
Looking forward to another offer
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Nevermind about my last comment...if it got through...i realized that when i installed WinUtilites through GOTD, it also has this feature. I really don't need this software, but it is a good one. Thanks anyway.
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Windows Defender installed by default with Vista does exactly the same but many users ignore this. No need of this program.
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It looks like a good piece of software. But i can't seem to get it activated (through GOTD). When i click activate.exe, it says "fail to connect". Can someone help me?
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I cant get it to register either.... says "unregistered" expires 12/11/2009 ran the activate exe while not running says successfully activated but when I run it I get the unregistered popup...also tried the about tab on the program tool bar and it says unregistered....
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Ps. Somebody mentioned comodo. Softpedia have stopped hosting all of their programs. Google it and you may find out why.
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WinPatrol. Excellent, Free, Lightweight and very very cool.
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I have used this program before and I had no problems with it, I have been trying to register to review the programs GAOTD gives away but I do not get the email with my password in it, I even checked my junk email but it is not there. I have tried for a long time to be able to do reviews but no luck.
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Scaned with Iobit 360.It say that no problems with this soft.
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To the person who left comment # 13. Thank you for reminding people to Read the Instructions. I find it helpful, rather than randomly trying activation combinations and cleaning out my registry after failed activation atemp[ts.
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AnVir Task Manager (given away earlier) does the same thing.
I use Kaspersky Antivirus latest Beta which also has a similar feature (it can also block services).
So I have no use of this program.
No download for me today.
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Installed and activated with no problems on my XP Pro PC.
But it doesn't show any license information about the end user !?
So I don't really know if this is a trial version or not :(
After a short introduction I deactivated 5 programs from Startup
like the Adobe Reader Speed Launcher, TkBellExe, FlashPlayerUpdate,
ListProAlarms and DWQueuedReporting, which was Google'd before deactivation.
Nice program !
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As I've stated on previous giveaways of this, I won't be testing it due to problems with other Zards offerings adding unwanted entries to the registry. That doesn't necessarily mean that Startup Defender does, but I'm not going to risk it.
Between my security software, AnVir (Security Suite), and Autoruns, I'm well covered. I used WinPatrol years ago, and I tried the free version when Bits du Jour was offering a discount on the Pro version, but it seemed like a toy compared to AnVir. Also, I had problems with false alerts from WinPatrol, possibly from it seeing things for the first time. One nice feature of WinPatrol is that it will monitor file type associations, which the others don't.
Various startup managers:
MSconfig - Few locations checked, but does have some debugging features which aren't in the other tools.
Windows Defender - Standard on Vista, few locations checked, shows code signatures.
AnVir - Few locations checked for startup, but has lots of nice features. The most features are in the higher-end versions, which unfortunately have become quite expensive since few people are willing to pay for task managers. Version comparison. Top versions have many features, such as startup monitoring, auto-remove, auto-terminate, can start as service, to tray, or to floating icon, delayed startup, auto-set priority, generate startup items report, search online, check files for malware online, jump to in RegEdit, shows code signatures, and many other features.
WinPatrol - Few locations checked, but does have startup monitoring, delayed startup, auto-remove, file extension monitoring. Version comparison. Also, I don't remember whether WinPatrol defaults to allowing or blocking new items when you can't answer the prompt due to a reboot, which may be a problem during software installations, crashes, etc. (AnVir defaults to allow.)
Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns - By far the most comprehensive listing of startup items, can save configuration for (unfortunately) limited comparison, search online, show configuration for other users, jump to (depends upon type, generally opens RegEdit), verify code signatures, etc.
What's Running - long out of development
Headlight Software Desktop Armor - long out of development
Acelogix Software StartUp Guard - long out of development
Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel, StartupMonitor - long out of development
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Install and don't run the program.Next run activate.After it will say:Successfull activate and will send of the page with:Succesfull activated,you can close(and must close,that you are succesfull activated).Only after close,you will open the program.
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I think I'll stick to WinPatrol thanks.
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For me,they register my soft.I don't see here:unregistered.
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I like it because it show me,for example:what is:CTFMON.exe and other process.It explain me this with Google.If you loock at the right up corner(on arrow) you will see that soft is register,green and a sign that mean OK.If you click on register it say you to put:user name and serial number.That it mean that your soft is register but you can't see detail to not be possible to register after delete.This is strategy to buy soft,if you like.Thank.
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should i say comodo CIS again ?
i'll clearfy what remark 8 wanted to say:if you need that program then you need to replace your AV.
oh. and there is another nice program called "smart uac replacement"
which replace the annoying UAC in vista and can be installed on windows 2000 and windows XP too
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Is this just a limited trial? I installed and it says it expires in dec/2009.
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No registration key given or instructions how to obtain - ran activation and it said was activated but keeps saying is unregistered version expiring 12 Nov. What should we do to get registration key to fully activate????
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No need to install all of this software.
Just use one tuneup utilities. All In One.
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:( ... today, most of the paid and free security software already include that feature :(
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I would use Spybot S&D, which also has a TeaTimer part, to prevent programs writing into startup - free and prevents your system from spyware too.
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After i have downloaded, ran and activated the program is still asking to be activated. Someone please help.
tope
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Continues to insist it is not registered.
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These devices are very useful! because MSCONFIG can only disable a program, despite how glittery the front-end of your current O.S, it`s these small points that help the add-on boys clean-up - if you`ll forgive the pun! So if that unwanted prog leaves a startup icon, delete it. If like me, you only want a print monitor when you want to print ( how unusual! ) disable it! you should also find start-up is made quicker by cutting down on load-up time, which makes sense if you were to ponder it.
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