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Startup Programs Run Twice When Windows Loads

Intended For
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2003
Windows 2000
This problem usually happens when you try to clean some of the clutter out of your Start menu. Most of the time, it's caused by the fact that Windows keeps track of the new locations of Start menu folders when you drag-drop them. (Microsoft means well here, but the fact that the Registry is updated automatically whenever you move a folder is more of a nuisance than anything else.)

For instance, if you try to consolidate your personal Startup folder and the All Users Startup folder, Windows still thinks it's looking at two different folders, and thus two copies of all the shortcuts contained therein. To fix the problem, you need to correct the folder locations in your Registry:

  1. Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ explorer\ Shell Folders and make sure all the entries here point where they should:
    • In Windows XP/2000/2003, the Common Startup value should be set to C:\Documents & Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

    • In Windows Vista, the Common Startup value should be set to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ explorer\ User Shell Folders and correct the values here as well.
  4. Next, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Explorer\ Shell Folders, and set the correct values for your personal Startup folder:
    • In Windows XP/2000/2003, the Startup value should be set to C:\Documents & Settings\{your_user_name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

    • In Windows Vista, the Common Startup value should be set to C:\Users\{your_user_name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

    Note: Make sure to replace {your_user_name} here with the folder name matching your user name.

  5. Finally, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ explorer\ User Shell Folders and correct the values here as well. The only difference here is that each entry should start with %USERPROFILE% instead of C:\Users\{your_user_name}.
  6. When you're done, close the Registry Editor and restart Windows to test the new settings.

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    Written by: Annoyances.org
    Last updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

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