The Vista startup sound cannot be changed as you were able to in previous versions of Windows. Microsoft has set a new sound which is part of their branding.

This sound can be annoying if you have a computer which you take to meetings or which is used in presentations, so after much debate, Microsoft has given us the option to disable this sound from playing.

To disable the sound, go to your “Control Panel”

Open up “Sound”

Open the “Sounds” tab

Untick “Play Windows Startup Sound”

I don’t mind them putting in their own branding as other operating systems and mobile phones have had a preset startup sound for years, I am really happy it can be disabled as it is the last thing you want blaring over the speakers at the start of a lecture.