Windows XP

• 1). Click the "Start" menu icon. It's the large button located at the bottom left of the screen.
  
  
• 2). Select the "Programs" menu.
  
  
• 3). Right-click on the folder labeled "Startup" and select "Open."
  
  
• 4). Open the "File" menu within the Startup folder.
  
  
• 5). Choose "New Shortcut." This will open a new window.
  
  
• 6). Click the "Browse" option next to the dialog box and select the program you would like have open at startup.
  
  
• 7). Click "Next" and "Finish." You should now see the program listed in the Startup folder.
  
  
• 8). Right-click on the shortcut. Select "Properties" and choose minimized from the "Run" box. Click "OK" and close the folder. When you next start the computer you should see the program running automatically within the system tray at the bottom of the screen.
  
  

Windows Vista

• 1). Open the "Start" menu.
  
  
• 2). Click on "All Programs."
  
  
• 3). Right-click the "Startup" folder and click on "Open."
  
  
• 4). Locate the program you want to open at startup. Right-click on the program and select "Create Shortcut." The shortcut will appear in the folder for that program.
  
  
• 5). Drag that new shortcut into the "Startup" folder. The next time Windows starts the program will run automatically.
  
  

Windows 7

• 1). Open your File Manager.
  
  
• 2). Locate the program you want to have begin at startup. Right-click on the .exe file and click "Create Shortcut." Leave the File Manager open.
  
  
• 3). Open the "Start" menu.
  
  
• 4). Click on "All Programs."
  
  
• 5). Right-click on the "Startup" folder and select "Open" or "Explore."
  
  
• 6). Drag the shortcut created for the .exe file into the "Startup" folder.
  
  
• 7). Close the folder. The program should run automatically the next time Windows starts.