Thursday 16 December 2010

How to get list of Windows 7 Startup programs from Registry using C#?

I was googling and digging into windows Startup apps running from registry keys and the whole startup order proccess. Here is what I found out.


Startup apps order list. 
(I am using Windows 7 HomePremium 64 bit.)


  • Boot execute HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\BootExecute
  • Run Services

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices

  • Logon Prompt - user enter username and password
  • UserInit HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\UserInit
  • Start Shell HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell
  • LocalMachine Run keys

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx

Sunday 12 December 2010

NaskoShell - my custom windows desktop replacement app

UPDATE: 

This is discontinued project :(
I don't need custom shell for Windows anymore, because I switched to linux. OpenBox+PyTyle+Conky
Source is on my github have a look I you are intersted in Custom windows desktop shell in C#.


I have got 12.1" ASUS UL20a laptop and because of the size of the screen I wanted to optimize my desktop for better experience. I tried to simplify my default Windows 7 desktop, removed all icons, made Taskbar autohide, couldn’t completely remove it though.Finally I decided to write my own Windows desktop replacement.
So what I am working on is clear Desktop with:
  • my daily to do tasks,
  • time,
  • reminder,
  • simple background changer,
  • some nice motivational or inspirational quotes.
  • multiscreen (work, design, surf, chat, book reading, video )
  • launchy-like app launcher
  • fully keyboard control