Folder opens automatically upon startup

Question

My desktop Dell uses Windows XP with SP3. Upon startup, the folder "C:\Program Files\Common" opens automatically since about two weeks ago. I have not been able, so far, to cancel this action. Almost all the files within this folder are ".dll" files from Real Networks, Inc. Need Help.

Answer 1

1. Check Folder Options > View Tab that "Restore Previous Folder Windows On Login" is unchecked.
2. Also, after every login your profile is loaded into the registry and a certain number of programs are started from the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run key. When Windows is unable to load a particular program, say, the path of the program doesn't exist anymore, it sometimes opens up the C:\Program Files folder by default.

To solve it, in a Run window (Windows Logo key+R), type regedit, press Enter and navigate to the above key and check if every value is known to you. Then do the same for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.

Note, it is prudent to create a system restore point before making any changes, just in case something goes wrong.

Answer 2

Click Start click all programs 

You should see a "Start-up" folder

If the folder you mention is in there remove it

Problem solved

Answer 3

Click Start Click Run Type MSCONFIG

Go to Startup tab see if your folder is there

Answer 4

The "Common" folder is not in the StartUp folder. That was the first thing I checked.