Any way to block programs from running?

[Safe-Keeper]

Is there any way to get XP tosimply deny a certain program the ability to launch? A Windows program called MediaCenter keeps launching every ten seconds or so, and so far I haven't been able to figure out why.

I suppose I can just jury-rig something like moving the .exe file to a temporary folder, but I'd like to know if there was a less primitive method:oops:.

PS: I'd prefer to not have to uninstall it:p.

[Gizzmoe]

The program probably sits in your taskbar. Open the program and check if there´s an option to disable the load on startup. If there isn´t one it either starts via the Startup group (Start/Programs/Startup) or the Autostart of the Windows registry. If it´s in the Startup group simply delete the icon, if it´s not there start msconfig (Start, Run, msconfig, Startup tab) and untick the Mediacenter box. Then reboot and see if it worked.

[3Jane]

There is a program called FS Autostart, which you can configure to stop specific background services and other programs from running when games are, and restart them afterwards.

[Kapitan_Phillips]

You could try and use msconfig to stop the program from starting when you logon:

Click Start
Click Run
Type 'msconfig' and hit enter
Click the Startup tab
Find the program you want to disable, and uncheck the box
Click apply

Be forewarned, dont screw with programs you dont know about. I decided once that I didnt need explorer :doh:

[Safe-Keeper]

It doesn't start when the computer does, it starts randomly as if there's this button pressed or something. I exit it, it re-starts five seconds later. Over and over again.

I'm completely stumped here. I deleted just about the entire program folder, except the files I couldn't delete as they were "In use by another program" or whatever. MediaCenter is not part of the program selection in Add/Remove Programs. It does not appear to have an uninstall feature. It does not explain why on Earth it keeps starting.

Sigh, who needs computer virii when you have Microsoft software:damn:?!

Edit: I'll give AutoStart a try. Thanks.

[Safe-Keeper]

All right, Autostart seems to have tamed it for now. Thanks a lot.