StartUp Watchdog

Keeping track of programs that load as Windows starts is what this program does well, but we wish one of the advertised functions worked during the trial period. StartUp Watchdog tracks the numerous places where programs load upon system start-up. The interface is well designed with information logically arranged. The program is especially useful when loading new software. It alerts the user if the new software attempts to set anything to load at start-up. StartUp Watchdog also monitors any other changes in select areas of the Registry and start-up folders. With the detailed information about file properties, we much prefer it over the start-up tab of MSConfig. Users can toggle on or off any programs from loading at startup and remove programs from the Registry. While the application claims the "What is It?" function of finding online information about any file is enabled, we could not get it to function during our trial. Finding some programs would be easier if StartUp Watchdog could sort all files by name or path rather than only by Registry section location. Information rich for novices and advanced users, StartUp Watchdog is easy to install and easier to use.