Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs

Subject: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 08:16 AM

We got a couple computers donated for the children's corner of the women's center when I do volunteer work. I'd like each computer to have a "child" account without a password, that would start with a particular game and perhaps allow access to other games when the primary game is closed. I don't want the kids to have access to all the programs listed on the page below the "start" menu. I've removed all but the kids' programs from the desktop and start menu, but a user can still access lots of programs by clicking the "down" arrow on the start menu page.

1. How do I set the computer to start a particular game when a child logs in? I know how to do this in earlier versions of Windows, but I don't see a startup folder in Win 8.1. I can disable programs listed under "Start," but I don't see how to add startup programs.

2. How can I block children's access to programs I don't want them to use? I imagine this may be in the "parental controls" options.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 08:44 AM

Are you assuming the child doesn't know how to toggle between the classic desktop and the Win 8.1 desktop? (The Windows key) And when you say "the desktop" are you referencing the view of the older desktop with programs that don't run from the Win 8 "metro tiles?"

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: gnu
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 08:52 AM

What about pinning the game to the taskbar?

I gotta git... I'll check back later.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 08:56 AM

"Are you assuming the child doesn't know how to toggle between the classic desktop and the Win 8.1 desktop?"

Blimey O'Reilly! I didn't know that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 09:02 AM

Hi, Acme-
Win 8.1 calls its classic desktop "desktop," and its 8.1 desktop the "start" menu. I can clear both of these desktops of unwanted programs, but the 8.1 "start" menu page has a down arrow that leads to a list of all programs - and I see no way to remove that down arrow or block access to those programs. Our preschool kids are smart enough to click that down arrow and fool around with all those programs.

I tried "family controls," and got an error message saying that the Microsoft "family controls" program is incompatible with my Windows 8.1 (I had Win 7 and Win 8 on this computer before, so maybe it's left over from that).

It seems it would be a common thing to want to be able to kid-proof a computer while still allowing them to play games. And of course, all this will change when Win 10 comes out in 6 weeks. I don't look forward to installing Win 10 on a dozen computers, but I suppose it will extend their life a bit.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: gnu
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 11:17 AM

10? 7 8 9?

Had to do it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Nick
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 12:23 PM

Go to the run line and type

shell:common startup

to get to the All Users one

and

shell:startup

to get to the startup you are logged in as (but you can navigate to others once you see where it's looking)

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 09:22 PM

Joe - you are a saint.

Go to Linux....and save the sisters a lot of misery.



Sincerely,
Gargoyle

not to mention a much larger contribution to the collection box.

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 15 - 10:47 PM

Garg is a hoot!

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 12:10 AM

Garg, I had to set up a computer for a nun who was a disaster with computers, so I asked my stepson to make a dummyproof computer, and he put Ubuntu Linux on an old laptop. She was happy as a clam!

She was having trouble with her computer at home, so I made a house call. She must have had ten toolbars on her Internet browser, so there was no room for any Internet information. She's a compulsively generous person who never says "no" to anyone - even to those who say, "Do you want to install the hulubulukooloo toolbar on your browser?"

Go figure.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 Startup Programs
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 05:28 AM

Don't know if this might be able to do what you want, Joe.
http://www.classicshell.net/ It can be set to boot straight to the old style desktop. It can be customised to only show menu items you want visible.
I don't know if you can use it to prevent access to the Tiles screen, but This Page might give an answer.
Quack!
Geoff.