You can place the application to run in Registry using the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
I have my "secret weapon" I use to learn all I need about auto-start processes: Sysinternals AuroRuns application. Go to Sysinternals Web site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals[
^], download Sysinternals Suite:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb842062[
^], unpack and run AutoRuns.exe. Read help, browse auto-run categories and items — you will find out what is called from where and how you can add your application to it.
—SA