Starting an application when windows load

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I am looking to load an application in the background when windows loads, do it's purpose and then close. I have looked on google and found alot, but not alot that is useful to me.

Registeries are mentioned alot and to be honest that isn't the way I would like to go if at all avoidable! It is a bit out of my depth and I don't want to be changing things that could cause issues with the system!

Would it be better to create the app as planned, install to windows and then set it as run on startup. Or is there a more eligant way of doing this?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

Posted 25-Oct-11 2:26am

DanHodgson88

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jim lahey · Answer 1 · 2011-10-25T02:30:00

Solution 1

I'd build a windows service and set it to start automatically:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/d56de412%28v=VS.100%29.aspx[^]

Posted 25-Oct-11 2:30am

jim lahey

Comments

DanHodgson88 25-Oct-11 8:37am

Looks interesting cheers for that

Amir Mahfoozi 25-Oct-11 8:38am

The only way, other than manipulating registry, is this +5

Mantu Singh 25-Oct-11 9:13am

Use registry just set the installer to do that entry for the application you need to run its simple enough or use Microsoft.Win32.Registry class for you purpose.....

Dylan Morley · Answer 2 · 2011-10-25T02:55:00

The easiest way would just be to add a shortcut to your application in the Startup directory of Windows.

e.g. C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

As you mentioned, the registry is another way to do this. While you're correct & you need to be a bit careful in the registry, it's honestly not that difficult.

* Start -> Run -> regedit
* Expand the registry keys until you find HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
* Right mouse on the 'Run' key and choose 'New -> String Value'
* A value will be created on the right hand side called 'New Value #1'
* Double click this, enter the full path to your application in the 'Value Data' text box

That's it - You're done!

I wouldn't really recommend a windows service for what you need to achieve, the above 2 methods are the best to 'run something, then exit'. Windows services start and continue running in the background, they are there to provide functionality for other applications and services. That's not what you're trying to do.