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The Windows operating system has a built in configuration utility that allows you to troubleshoot and alter some important aspects of your operating system. This utility has come built into Windows 98, 98SE, ME, XP, and now Vista. The utility can be called up by simply navigating to Start » Run, once the text box appears you simply type in msconfig and hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard, or use your mouse to click “Ok” within the run command window. This utility can also be referred to as Microsoft System Configuration Utility.

When you use the System Configuration utility, you can easily reset or change the configuration settings in Windows to include preferences for the following files and settings:

• The System.ini file
• The Win.ini file
• The Boot.ini file
• Programs that are set to load during the startup process (these programs are specified in the Startup folder and in the registry)
• Environment settings
• International settings

Here is how to use make use of the MSCONFIG utility in Windows to disable some of the unnecessary programs that automatically load on start-up.

Once Windows is up and running go to “Start”, and then to “Run”. Once the “Run” box is on your screen, it will look like this.

Once the following box is prompted on your screen type “msconfig” and click “OK”.

The following box will appear for Windows XP.

2a. If you have the other versions of Windows with MSCONFIG utility it will look like this.

Click on the “Startup” tab regardless of what version you have. Windows XP looks like this.

3a. If you have the other versions of Windows with MSCONFIG utility this is what your screen should look like.

General Rules For Altering Startup Functions

Startup items are programs that are automatically loaded every time you turn your computer on. Some startup programs are absolutely necessary, others are simply a waste of RAM.

The only startup items you absolutely need are:

• ScanRegistry: Verifies that the Registry is in order, and makes a backup.(Assists with System Restore)
• SystemTray: Displays application icons of programs that are running and also system time.
• Explorer.exe: Allows you to view your files and folders.
• Programs that are set to load during the startup process (these programs are specified in the Startup folder and in the registry)
• Your anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware programs: (Norton, McAfee, AVG, Panda, etc.)

Since you need these startup items to be running all the time in order for your computer to work properly, make sure there is always a check mark next to all of these startup items.

However, as for the rest of the startup items, they are completely optional. Whether you leave these optional startup items on or turn them off is completely up to you. A good rule of thumb is to disable only those programs that you recognize and don’t need to have running all the time. When in doubt, leave it on. Or, better yet, check out Paul “PacMan” Collins’ extensive “Startup Applications” list at http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

Generally on our PC´s and any PC that we setup for friends and clients we remove EVERYTHING from MSCONFIG that isn´t security related or a part of Windows. So unless it´s a anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, firewall, automatic updates for Windows or the hardware manufacturer for your PC, and/or other security and/or PC maintenance program, we do not keep it in the start up menu AT ALL. Each individual time that you run a program many programs on your computer, they have their own updating methods that will warn you about new versions that should be downloaded.

Remember, disable only those programs that you recognize and don’t need to have running all the time. When in doubt, research it on Google.