Fix for Windows Has Blocked Some Startup Programs Error in Vista

When you start a Windows Vista-based computer, you receive the warning message Windows has blocked some startup programs in the notification area, as shown in the figure below:

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This issue occurs because a program or a service that has User Account Control (UAC) restrictions tries to start during the Windows Vista startup process or logon process. Software Explorer blocks startup programs or services that require User Account Control confirmation.

WORKAROUND

Microsoft Knowledgebase article 930367 provides workarounds for this issue. It discusses the three options listed below:

1. Run the blocked program or the blocked service
2. Disable the blocked program or the blocked service
3. Remove the blocked program or the blocked service from the startup process

For more information, check out the article Error message when you start a Windows Vista-based computer: "Windows has blocked some startup programs".

SOLUTION

To prevent a startup program that requires UAC elevation from being blocked, run the program as a Scheduled Task rather than launching it from the Startup folder or using the RUN keys in the registry. This way, programs that require elevation run successfully without showing a confirmation prompt.

Method 1: Use the Startup Unblocker tool

Startup Unblocker utility offers three options for each startup item, namely Normal (Blocked), Run as admin, and Don’t start. To launch the startup program as administrator (elevate), choose the Run as admin option.

This program automatically creates a scheduled task for each startup item chosen.

Method 2: Creating Scheduled Tasks manually

1. Click Start, type control schedtasks

2. In the Actions pane on the right, click Create Task…

3. Type a name for the task.

4. Enable the option Run with highest privileges

5. Select the Triggers tab

6. Click New

7. In the Begin the task drop-down box, select At log on

8. Select Specific User or Group option

9. Click OK

10. Click the Actions tab

11. Click New

12. Click Browse… to select the program (Example: Regedit.exe) that you want to run, and mention the parameters required if any, for the application. (For example, to run a .REG file, select Regedit.exe and mention the parameter as "/s filename.reg")

13. Click Open

14. Click OK, OK.

A new task is now created, and the program will now run elevated when you logon to your user account.

Copyright © 2008 Ramesh Srinivasan. All rights reserved.