Resources

In the Windows logon screen, it shows one more application running than there really is. What is causing this?

I am not quite sure how you know these applications are not actually running in the background. It is possible that they are active without having been initiated by you. Quite often, a variety of computer applications are running in the background without users actually being aware of them. Some programs are designed to run upon startup, while other programs remain running in the background if they have not been properly closed out.

In fact, many programs have been designed to start up as soon as your operating system boots up. These programs often run in the background without your knowledge. You have the option to remove programs from the start up scenario.

How to Remove Programs from Start Up

If you believe that there are programs set to run as soon as you boot up and you want to remove them, use AutoRuns for Windows (Windows 7) or Start Up in Programs (Windows 98, 2000, and XP) to disable them from doing so. You can also type "MSCONFIG" in the search box and select "enter" on the keyboard. This brings up the "System Configuration" window where you can unmark all of the applications that you no longer wish to begin upon start up.

Extra Applications Running: Spyware/Viruses

If we assume that your computer has become infected with spyware or a virus, then it is more than likely that one or more of these applications are running at start up. If this is the case, then you can simply remove them with a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware application such as Anti-Virus PLUS to remove them. Once you have erased them from your computer, they should no longer show up upon log in.

Using the Task Manager to Close Programs

If you have more than one instance of an application running at the same time or programs running that you do not wish to run, use the Task Manager to close them out. Simply select the program that you wish to close and click "End Task."

Remains of Deleted Applications

When a program is uninstalled from a computer, it sometimes leaves remnants of itself. This typically occurs when the uninstallation has not been completely successful. If these remnants are not removed, they may appear as though they are running when in actuality, they are not. In order to do away with them, you should go through the process to uninstall the file again, defrag the computer, and run a reliable registry cleaner to remove broken or unused files.

More Than One User Account

If more than one individual is using a computer, it is possible that someone other than you is allowing programs to continue to run in the background without your knowledge.