Multiple listings in Startup Tab?

Infopackets Reader Bruce J. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I am writing to you about a rather strange problem that appears in my System Configuration Utility. When I click on the Startup tab, there is a column area labeled 'SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run'. There is nothing listed in this column and I'm really not sure what this is, or if it's a virus of some sort. I was hoping that maybe you could help me identify this? Thanks for your time and consideration on this issue. "

My response:

You didn't mention what program you're using to edit your Startup preferences, but I would recommend using a fantastic freeware program called "StartupCPL" (Startup Control Panel) by Mike Lin.

http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

On a side note, there are different ways to make a program run at startup -- SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run is just one of the methods. If it's blank that just means that there's nothing in that 'method'. And if you ever have any doubt as to whether or not a program in your Startup is legitimate, you can visit Pac's Portal web site to research.

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php