CNET Editors' review
This free program scans start-up applications to differentiate the necessary programs from any potential spyware threats. We found its user interface awkward to read and its results mostly inconclusive.
Startup Inspector for Windows features cartoonish icons, and the overuse of colors makes it hard on the eyes. The interface can be resized to full screen, and you can resize the information columns, but we still had problems with the Comments section getting cut off. A tree menu gives you the option of displaying all of your start-up programs or drilling down to only reveal specific Registry folders. The few command buttons offered were vague but, on a hunch, we clicked the Consult button hoping it would start the scan process and that turned out to be the right guess. The program very quickly scanned and produced results for each of our start-up programs; however, most of the scan results came up inconclusive. The program could not produce any viable information regarding most of the start-up programs' spyware threat status. For a few programs, Startup Inspector for Windows was able to tell us what, exactly, those programs did, the memory used, and whether they were necessary. The Apply button seems to serve no purpose. We were able to deselect a start-up program simply by unchecking the box, so there was nothing to apply.
The program contains links to the publisher's Web site, and a so-called information guide, but we were unable to find any real help there. We recommend you keep looking for a more effective and user-friendly start-up manager.
Publisher's Description
From William Yang:
Startup Inspector for Windows helps manage your startup applications and provides information on programs that run when you start up Windows. It can tell whether a program is necessary to the system or if it is spyware. The application scans all programs in the Windows startup folder and registry, and provides you with background information. There are more than 4,300 programs in the database. The application's features also include the ability to remove harmful programs such as spyware, viruses, and dialers, as well as remove unnecessary programs like reminders and monitors, thus improving your system's performance and health.
What's new in this version: Changed graphics and logo; Fixed some minor errors and display problems.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 108 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 12 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Did not work for me"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
It did not work, so I do not know of any pros.
Cons
It did not seem to recognize anything on my computer, so I removed it.
Summary
Since I could not get it to work on my computer, I cannot recommend it.
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"It is not so easy to manage"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
It works but I use the one that is in Glary Utilities
Cons
I did not like it
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"A programs you would expect to find in Windows"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
Does just what I need it to
Cons
never had a problem
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"Did not recognize one start up item"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
Listed all start up items with full path info
Cons
Did not recognize one item - couldn't even identify iTuneshelper.exe ! As common as that must be, this program couldn't even tell me any info on it. Googling the .exe names is still the best solution. Don't download this, just use google.
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"this is a very handy program"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
my start up was dragging so I used this program to free up my computer
Startup Inspector helps get rid of the junk things that load up your start up task barCons
not sure as to the definitions of some files
Summary
I like this program, i would like more information on why certain files are in the startup folder
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"Minimal help, small database"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
Found a few unnecessary programs.
Cons
Most programs were unknlwn to SI.
Summary
Easy to use but not much help.
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"slow and somewhat confusing"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
Information in a familiar, windows explorer-like interface
Cons
1) Awkward delays to display every change (even column resorts) - makes you wonder if program has frozen. 2) You click "Disable", it tells you it's going to delete - what's up with this?
Summary
Try Ashampoos' Startup Tuner instead
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"Worked for me. My PC is fast again"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
did what is it is supposed to. It's free!!!!!!
Cons
NONE that I found
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"Good tool!!"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
Lists programs running at startup with descriptions of many of the MS and other companies' function specs. Lets you know if they are vital to the PC operation or are flab.
Cons
Missing a good many proprietary program description but just needs more users to send in info about items, e.g. Logitech keyboard/mouse monitors, etc.
Summary
Excellent way to clean up your startup for Windows.
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"works great, highly reccommend"
Version: Startup Inspector for Windows 2.2
Pros
easy to use
Cons
could have more help on the action to take
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