WinXP Registry Not Saving Settings

[Wijono]

I am using my PC running WinXP Home as Administrator.

I found that following Registry Key is empty:

[HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\Startup]

I tried to enter the proper value to it, i.e.,

"C:\WINNT\system32\config\systemprofile\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"

But then after reboot, that key reverts back to empty, as if it takes the value from cache somewhere.

What can I do to solve this problem?

Any help will be highly appreciated.

Edited October 19, 2007 by Wijono

[Arie]

If there are no applications in your Startup folder, this registry key should be empty, so I don't understand your problem?

[Wijono]

Hi Arie,

The default value for that Registry key is:

[HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\Startup]

is:

"C:\WINNT\system32\config\systemprofile\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"

It is about the “Shell Folder”, not the “Run” folder, which is among others as follows:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

My problem was, if that key is empty, then when you run “System Information” > “Software Environment” > “Startup Programs”, not only the real startup programs will be listed, but also ALL programs in the folder Windows\System32. You may give a try by emptying that key if you want to.

But meanwhile I have found the culprit, it is AVG Anti Spyware!! I don’t know why, but after I uninstalled that program, my problem is gone!! I.e., I can populate that key, and after reboot it stays.

It would be great if someone that knows can brief me the reason .

Edited October 19, 2007 by Wijono

[gosh]

What you want is AltStartup

-gosh

[Wijono]

What you want is AltStartup

-gosh

What do you mean with AltStartup?

Can you brief me a little bit more?

Thanks.