Need a way to run a script on windows boot up prior to a user logging in

Question

I need to run a custom script which runs when Windows boots up.I know its possible to run it when a user logs in but I want to run it when the system reboots i.e. prior to a user logging in. The OS in question is Windows 2003 and Windows 2000

Solution

You can use a Group Policy (or the local policy) to assign a startup script; you can configure it in the section Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Startup/Shutdown).

You can also use Scheduled Tasks to configure a task to run at computer startup.

Comments

[Massimo]

Wrong. HKXY\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunX keys, as well as the Startup folder(s), are processed by at user logon. If nobody logs in, your program will not be executed. You should use Scheduled Taksks or a policy.