This is a problem which has eluded me desite much searching around on the internet in order to have it resolved. I recently purchased Family Key Logger, a stealth key logging program, in order to keep an eye on whether or not my children are using the internet and computer improperly. The only problem is that my son, being rather computer saavy himself persistently unchecks all of the startup items with the msconfig utility, including the file which opens the key logging program, therefore the program is never running when my children actually do use the computer. I even went and found out how to start the exe file as a service, through creating a registry entry and having it startup with windows. The process does show as running in the task manager but the program doesnt work, as in it does not record any key strokes and can not be brought up by using the shortcut keys which work when it is started up regulary (not as a service). Is there any way i can have this program startup with windows automatically, yet not have it listed in the system configuration utility in mscongfig so that it can not be disabled which defeats the purpose of a stealth program? any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I'm not sure about turning an interactive program into a service, however I can make a suggestion: User Rights are your friend. By creating a separate account for junior members of the family you eliminate all sorts of unpleasant things like someone installing or uninstalling something that they should not, messing with common display settings, altering the services or other Windows configurations. Keep your account the one you Administrate the computer from, but make your son use his own account which will lack the rights to do potentially damaging things. Read more here P.S> I take it Key Logger will only tell you what has been done, but have you tried a NetNanny or CYberSitter type product that prevents the behavior? ____________________ Embrace your inner geek.

i did already purchase the program, so i would like it to work the way i had hoped for it to.

how bout you tell your kid to stop. If he doesn't then tell him to not use the internet. You don't need to spy. Just enforce some rules.

can anyone else offer some advice?

The program is apparently doing what it is supposed to. The problem is that your son keeps stopping it. BTW - Family KeyLogger is a free download. You won't be out much. ____________________ Embrace your inner geek.

Lou, You don't need any advice other than DeeMcC's advice to use XP's user accounts. Everyone in your family can have their own user account (with whatever color scheme they want, background, sounds, etc,) and you can run your "spy" program to your hearts content...What more could you want? You can also set "content advisor" in internet options to prevent any unwanted content from being viewed. If you still insist on doing it your way....good luck. SullyD Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want...