run bat file at startup

Windows Scheduler -- When my computer starts

I'm pretty sure you can the built-in Windows Scheduler to execute your batch file on startup.

Try this:

Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks

Select the location of your batch file and on the next page select "When my computer starts".

You may also want to move it to somewhere OTHER than the startup folder to avoid "weirdness".

Good luck!

In previous versions and I am going to assume still in Windows 2008 you can set a scheduled task to be run "when the computer starts" instead of at a specific time.

Update:
Just checked a test Windows 2008 machine of mine.

Run Task Scheduler from the start menu search box. Choose Create Basic Task on the right. On the trigger selection, you will have choices for "When the computer starts" and "When I log on"

Place the batch file into the 'Startup' folder for the user. Or do you want to run it before the user signs in?

Fire up an mmc, add it local computer policy settings snap-in and in Windows settings/Scripts put your startup script.

Run a batch file at loading of Windows 8 and 10 and windows server 2016.

1. Create a shortcut to the batch file.
2. Once the shortcut is created, 'right-click' the shortcut file and select Cut.
3. Press Start on the keyboard, type Run, and press Enter.
4. In the Run window, type shell:startup to open the Startup folder.
5. Once the Startup folder is opened, click the Home tab at the top of the folder. Then, select Paste to paste the shortcut file into the Startup folder.

I hope is useful.