Setting Up the Startup Programs Shields

You can set up Spy Sweeper to continuously monitor the list of programs that start every time you start Windows. Some potentially unwanted programs add themselves to this startup list if you are not protected, which causes the potentially unwanted program to start every time you start Windows.

When Spy Sweeper detects activity related to the Startup Shield, it displays an alert.

Spy Sweeper also lets you edit the startup items.

If the shields are unavailable (dimmed), you may not have access to this function. For more information, see Understanding How Spy Sweeper Works with Multiple User Accounts.

Caution: Editing startup items is for advanced users. Some items listed may be required by Windows or other programs. Deselecting items from the list could cause your computer to not start properly or cause some programs not to work. Edit with extreme caution.

To set up the Startup Programs Shield:

Start Spy Sweeper, if it is not already open, and display the main window.
For more information, see Starting Spy Sweeper.
In the icon panel, click Shields.
For information about the Spy Sweeper window, see Understanding the Spy Sweeper Window.
The Shields panel displays, showing a summary of the available shields and their status.
Click the Startup Programs tab.
The Startup Programs tab displays.
Select the options you want to use.

Click to see a description of each option.

Option	Description
Startup Items	This option actively watches for attempts to add either suspected potentially unwanted programs or any item to your startup list. Select an option below to set when you want Spy Sweeper to alert you. If you have Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, this option actively watches for attempts to add either suspected viruses or any item to your startup list. Select an option below to set when you want Spy Sweeper to alert you.
Alert Only for Suspected Spyware and Virus Changes to Startup Items	This option actively watches for attempts to add potentially unwanted programs, such as spyware, adware, and suspect programs, to your startup list. Some potentially unwanted programs will add themselves to your startup list, so that the potentially unwanted program will always run on your computer. This shield ensures that potentially unwanted programs do not add themselves to your startup list without you being aware of it.
Alert for All Startup Item Changes	This option actively watches your startup list for all changes. Some potentially unwanted programs will add themselves to your startup list, so that the potentially unwanted program will always run on your computer. This shield ensures that you are always alerted when a program tries to add an item to your startup list.
Ignore Other Webroot Products	This option tells Spy Sweeper to ignore changes made to your startup list when you install other Webroot products.
Edit Startup Items	Click to edit startup items. For more information, see Editing Startup Items. Editing startup items is for advanced users. Some items listed may be required by Windows or other programs. Deselecting items from the list could cause your computer to not start properly or cause some programs not to work. Edit with extreme caution.