System settings - Windows start up tab
You can use this tab to specify Repeat Signage Presentation files (.rsp files) or Repeat Signage Play List files (.rspl files In the Standard and above editions) to automatically start when Windows starts. This allows you to specify a file to start on each screen on your system. For example, you could have a different presentation playing on the primary (Screen number 1) and secondary (Screen number 2) monitor.
If you have a presentation that spans two monitors, then just set the presentation to play on the primary monitor (Screen number 1).
Windows logon screen
Normally, when a Windows machine is switched on, the user gets the login screen first. If you want to change this so that when a computer is started it just loads Windows and then your Repeat Signage Presentation or Playlist, then please read Windows start up - Removing the log on screen.
Other background software that loads when Windows loads
When Windows loads, it also loads lots of programs including device drivers, anti virus software (see our Recommended software page for free anti virus software), and lots of software for keeping you up to date with the latest versions of installed software. If you are setting up a computer to display Repeat Signage presentations then you want to make sure that nothing is going to pop-up in front of Repeat Signage or slow it down by running unnecessary programs.
You can view what software starts automatically on your system by using the Windows System Configuration screen. To display this:
Windows 10/ 11- Click on the Windows Start button (the start orb in the bottom left corner of the screen). In the 'Start Search' box that appears at the side of the start orb, type in msconfig and press return. This will open the Windows System Configuration screen
When you have the Windows System Configuration screen open, you get loads of tabs of various ways that software can be started up automatically with Windows. The 'Startup' tab is the best place to start and shows most Microsoft and non-Microsoft software that is starting automatically with Windows. If you have set Repeat Software to start up with Windows (See at the top of this help page) then there will be an item:
| Startup item | Manufacturer | Command | Location | Date disabled |
| Repeat Signage V5 | Repeat Software Ltd | ... | ... |
This sets Repeat Signage to load automatically with Windows. You need to go through this list and un-tick items that you don't require. If you are not sure, then do not un-tick items or ask your IT Department (if you have one) or try an Internet search. You often find software such as:
Windows Live Messenger
Google update
Adobe Acrobat
Which you can consider disabling.
Windows 10 - You can run msconfig and go to the Startup tab, but this gen re-directs you to Task Manager. To open Task Manager, press the Ctrl Alt and Del keys on your keyboard at the same time, and then select Task Manager. You can then go to the Startup tab to see applications that start automatically with Windows.
Anti virus software
Anti virus software often does periodic scans of your hard disks. These should not be scheduled to run at the same time as your presentations as this will slow down Repeat Signage and will lead to jerkiness in scrolling items.
Windows automatic updates
You may also consider disabling Windows automatic updates. This is the part of Windows that automatically downloads updates for most Microsoft software installed on your system, especially security updates for Windows. This is a good thing except that sometimes it will automatically restart the computer, or slow the computer considerably whilst installing update. This is not a good thing for digital signage software as you want your presentations displayed without interruption. If you do disable automatic updates, then you need to get someone to do these manually periodically (once a week should be OK).
To view or disable Windows automatic update settings:
Windows 10 / 11 - Click on the Windows Start button (the start orb in the bottom left corner of the screen) and in the search box type 'Windows Update'. Click on 'Windows Update Settings' to see your options.
DISCLAIMER - Repeat Software Ltd recommends you seek professional advice before changing any Windows settings. Repeat Software Ltd accepts no liability for any problems caused by changing Windows settings. The information above is provided for consideration only.