error message and start up programs

[wut2dew]

I've got a couple problems, the first is that when I start up my computer with windows xp pro, an error message pops up that says it cannot find a dll file to load. When I searched for the file , it is not at the path that the error message states it should be. The second problem/question is how do I stop so many programs opening when I start windows. All of my messenger services open up as soon as I start windows, as well as a couple of other programs. How can I stop that?

[rjfvillarosa]

What antivirus and spyware scanners are you using?
Do you know how to run the scans in safe mode with system restore switched off?
MSN messenger is a magnet for viruses and malware if your not using antivirus or it is not upto date that could well be your problem.

[wut2dew]

I am using Spybot search and destroy. My anti-virus now is Norton.
there isnt really a big problem I just have to exit all the programs, that start automatically, why do they start automatically? The error message is from a program that I remember came up on the spybot results page, that was supposed to be gotten rid of, aparently some ramnants remain from it but I cant find it.

[glc]

You must be specific - what is the exact error message?

[wut2dew]

RUNDLL

Error loading C:\Program Files\Wild Tangent\Apps\CDA\cdaengine0400.dll

The specific module could not be found.

Also my programs that start automatically are MSN Messenger and ICQ.
Wild tangent was something that spybot was supposed to remove, but i cant find the files anywhere.

[glc]

Run msconfig, go to the startup tab, find that entry, and uncheck it. Alternately, run HijackThis and remove the corresponding O4 entry.

You stop messenger (and a lot of other) programs from running by telling them in their preferences/options not to start with Windows.

[wut2dew]

thanks for the help guys. Now another thing is happening. Windows is making me choose either regular startup, which loads all of the drivers and start up apps, or selective startup. I can't get the computer to let me start up with only the wildtangent application off. How do I do that from MSconfig?

[Carl Price]

That is not an error. It is a generic message that tells you that you are using selective startup. There is a checkbox in the dialog box that says something like "do not tell me this again" (not the correct phrasing but you get the gist). Check this box and you should not have to worry about it again unless you change something. If you change something you will have to deal with this again but only once.