Microsoft System Configuration Overview:

The Microsoft utility MSCONFIG is a tool available in most currentWindows versions (XP, Vista and Windows 7) which is very helpful to maintain, troubleshoot and most importantly limit Windows startup programs. MSCONFIG provides a handful maintenance tasks, but the most common one is the ability to control programs that automatically start up when you boot your PC

How is the Microsoft system configuration utility useful?

As a Windows user you will install many programs over time. Some of these applications set themselves to automatically start up each time you boot your computer. Some of them are obvious but many of them will be hidden as background processes. Although many programs are necessary to be running at startup, many of them are not and just waste your computer's resources.  Loading unnecessary programs at the startup can lead to various problems such as:

• Taking unnecessary space of the computer memory.
• Slow down startup process
• Slow down the computer speed.
• Startup problems due to corrupted files.
• System crash.

Using the MSCONFIG utility for computer maintenance and troubleshooting

1. Click Start button and select "Run"
2. Then type MSCONFIG.

It should open a screen similar to below depending on your Windows version. I am using screens from Windows XP.

There are few panels (tabs) available for various tasks. But the most useful one for a normal PC user is "Startup" tab.

 
When you select Startup tab you will see various programs loading to your computer memory every time when you turn on your PC. The list of programs can vary from PC to PC. However, few programs are essential to load at the startup such as:

• Firewall and anti-virus programs
• Microsoft essential programs
• Load power profile
• System tray
• Task monitor

So do not disable these programs.

You can disable others by un-clicking the check boxes. Please ensure that you can recognize the program before un-clicking.

Click OK button to save the changes. The system will prompt you to restart the PC. Once you restart you should notice that your computer boots up faster and runs better.  If you would like to have your computer professionally tuned up call me at 704-990-TECH(8324).  I can tune up PC's remotely andwhere in the US.