MSconfig

In msconfig under startup, I have a listing in there that is blank under the startup item column and the command column. Does that mean nothing pertaining to this entry in startup is running even though the box is checked next to it? How can I tell how it got in my startup?

Can you post a screenshot?

Is the entire line blank? If so, I'd probably uncheck it to be safe. You should probably do a malware scan as well.

If you know how to use regedit, you can see the checked msconfig entries in the registry at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Midknyte, I appreciate the help. I attached a copy of the startup in msconfig. I went into regedit to the entry that you posted and I see " HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run " listed. How from there can I see what is running?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run lists all the checked entries in MSConfig. You need to look for the one that is blank and see if there is more info. If it's all blank in regedit, then it's hard to say what it is.

Like I said before, just uncheck it. A blank entry seems suspicious to me.

This might explain it clearer. They say to delete the entry, but I'm a little more cautious. I'd uncheck it first. If everything works ok, then delete. Again, there is always the chance of malware.

http://ask-leo.com/why_is_there_a_bl...p_entries.html
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/itd...tartup-tab/887

JLS--Your msconfig|Startup tab is missing a column of information compared to mine. The column is Manufacturer. Knowing that would help.
Can you slide the existing three columns around to see if that fourth column is off screen?

There is no manufacturer column in msconfig for XP.

I suggest you leave "msconfig" alone.
You can investigate in much safer way using "Autoruns" where all "msconfig" entries are listed.

Download Autoruns for Windows: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb963902.aspx
No installation required.
Simply unzip Autoruns.zip file, and double click on autoruns.exe file to run the program.
Go File>Save, and save it as AutoRuns.txt file to know location.
You must select Text from drop-down menu as a file type:

https://discussions.virtualdr.com/

Attach the file to your next reply.