Startup Program Blocked by Windows Vista

If you have upgraded to Windows Vista from a different Windows system one of the first things that you notice is the vast increase of firewall and safety features included in Windows Vista. This is, in my opinion, a wonderful improvement. But all these new firewalls and anti-virus programs can get in the way.

One example of this is a startup error message that states “Windows has blocked some startup programs”. This message is generally very vague and does not provide exact information on which program has been blocked by Windows Vista safety features.

If you are like most computer users than you have many programs that start as soon as your computer boots up, whether you know it or not. These programs often include a firewall, anti-virus program, Windows firewall, Google Desktop, Java, perhaps a messenger program and more.

When Windows Vista blocks one of these startup programs it is most likely because the program has UAC (User Account Control) restrictions against it. UAC is built-in with Windows Vista. The UAC restrictions’ job is to prevent malware and other harmful software from hurting your computer.

As previously stated, the Windows error message alerts you that programs were blocked but does not state which ones. You must figure out what programs were blocked before you can proceed any further. You can easily locate the blocked programs by clicking the Blocked Startup Programs icon in the warning spot. Then, place the mouse over the Run Blocked Program option to see exactly which programs have been blocked from starting up with Windows Vista.

Once you see the programs that have been blocked you have 3 options of what to do with the startup programs. 1.) Run the blocked program, 2.) Disable the blocked program, or 3.) Remove blocked program from startup process.

Allowing the blocked program to run is the most simple of the 3 selections but may not always be the correct choice for the situation. If you wish to do so, simply click Run the blocked program and choose the program you wish to let run. You may be prompted for the Administrator password.

If you choose to disable the blocked program select Show or Remove Blocked Programs after clicking the Blocked Startup Programs icon as already mentioned. Software Explorer will then automatically open in Windows Defender. In Software Explorer, search for and click the blocked program. Select Disable and confirm Yes.

Lastly, if you wish to block the program from starting up with Windows Vista open your Control Panel and select Programs then choose Programs and Features. Alternatively, you can get to this by going to your Start Menu and type appwiz.cpl in the Search Box and press Enter. Locate the blocked program from the list that appears and select Remove or Change.

If Windows does not allow you to remove the program from the startup menu without removing it completely from your computer try this way instead: go to your Control Panel -> Programs -> select Stop a program from running at startup under Default Programs. Again, this brings up Software Explorer in Windows Defender with the category being Startup Programs. Select the program you wish to block from startup and click Remove.