Computer Troubleshooting

MSConfig - how to use it efficiently

Built into Windows is a special tool called the "Microsoft System Configuration Utility" or simply "MSCONFIG." Designed to help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, can also be used to ensure that your computer boots faster and crashes less.
Most people know that the more programs you have running on your computer at once, the more likely it is that your computer will either run slowly or even crash. What most people don’t know is that every time you boot your computer a whole mess of "hidden" programs load in the background. Some of these hidden programs are essential, but most aren’t. Turning off some of these hidden programs can significantly increase your computer’s performance and reliability.

Some theory from Wikipedia

MSConfig, or Microsoft System Configuration Utility, (or simply System Configuration in Windows Vista) is a utility to troubleshoot the Windows startup process. It is bundled with all Microsoft Windows operating systems since Windows 98 except Windows 2000. Windows 95 and Windows 2000 users can download the utility as well, although it was not designed for them. MSConfig modifies which programs run at startup, edits certain configuration files, and simplifies controls over Windows services. As part of the base Windows install, MSConfig can be accessed by running ‘msconfig’ on any system on which the user has administrator access.

Prior to Windows Vista, files that can be edited through include AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI on Windows 9x systems, and WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI and BOOT.INI on Windows NT systems prior to Windows Vista. The chief benefit to using it to edit these files is that it provides a simplified GUI to manipulate sections of those files and the Windows registry tree pertaining to the Windows boot sequence. Windows can also be configured to perform a diagnostic startup (load a minimum set of drivers, programs and services).

source: MSConfig on Wikipedia

How to run MSConfig

1. Click on the Start button (Vista: start icon in the bottom left corner of your screen)
2. Select Run from the menu and In the run dialog box type msconfig.
3. Click OK.
   (Vista: in the search box type: MSCONFIG and then either press enter or double-click on the program that appears in the search results.)

Basic information

The interface of the program consists of five tabs. Probably, as most folks, you don’t need to worry about the WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI sections (systems up to Windows XP) or BOOT and TOOLS in Windows Vista. The General tab section has several options like Normal Startup, Diagnostic Startup and Selective Startup which control the way Windows will boot next time. Each changes causes asking you for a restart when quitting MSConfig.

Interesting functions

Some applications need to be started every time when Windows starts. Over time their count may increase drastically. The Startup tab of MSConfig allows you to disable some of the applications you don’t need any more. It is as simple as unchecking them and then clicking on the Apply button. Do not disable programs you don’t know. In Windows Vista, all of Windows’ essential programs are loaded through something called "Windows Services." This means that most of the startup items you see in Vista are completely optional and can be turned off. Be careful, a good rule of thumb is to disable only those programs that you know and don’t need to have running all the time. When in doubt, leave it on.

On my computer I have a installed QuickTime to watch movies with .mov extension. For some reason Apple decided that the program should always be running on my computer even when I am not using the program. Ridiculous! To prevent QuickTIme from automatically starting every time I unchecked "QucikTIme" (see screenshot above).

After changes hot the OK button. Windows will ask you for a restart to take effect. Click Restert button and your computer will automatically reboot. It’s a good practice to close all other applications before using MSConfig.

Your computer should now start faster or even crash less. If you ever want to turn on any of the startup items you disabled, just run the program again.

Tags: MSCONFIG