Everything about Msconfig
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Explanation of the System Configuration tabs
This document applies to m*cro$oft Windows 98, Me, and XP.
The m*cro$oft System Configuration (Msconfig) tool is a m*cro$oft software application used to prevent other software applications from opening with Windows. This document explains how to use Msconfig to resolve problems with the computer.
Using Msconfig
Msconfig prevents Windows from using software applications and settings. Use the following steps to prevent all software programs from automatically opening when Windows starts:
CAUTION: The following steps are used to prevent all startup items from opening including antivirus software and other software that may provide important functions. Only use these steps for troubleshooting purposes.
Click Start, and then click Run.
Type the following into the Open field: msconfig
Click OK.
A System Configuration Utility opens.
For Windows 98 and ME, select Selective Startup on the General tab, and remove the checkmark next to Load startup group items.
For Windows 98, remove the checkmarks next to Config.sys and Autoexec.bat.
NOTE: Many software drivers and antivirus software depend on Config.sys and Autoexec.bat in order to work. If you experience problems after completing these steps, perform the steps again replacing the checkmarks next to Config.sys and Autoexec.bat.
For Windows 98 and ME, click the WIN.INI tab, click the plus sign (+) next to the windows folder, and remove the checkmarks next to load= and run=.
For Windows XP, remove the checkmark next to Load Startup Items.
For Windows XP, click the Services tab, select Hide all m*cro$oft services, and remove the checkmarks next to all the items in the list.
When finished, click OK.
Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
After the computer restarts, a message about using Msconfig should appear.
To continue using Msconfig, click OK and then close the System Configuration window (do not restart the computer). To prevent the pop-up message from appearing again, place a checkmark next to Don't show this message again, and then click OK.
NOTE: Once you have finished troubleshooting an issue, repeat these steps again, replacing the checkmarks, to allow startup programs and service to start with Windows again.
Explanation of the System Configuration tabs
The following list describes the tabs and the items listed inside the tabs in the System Configuration Utility window.
General
Use the General tab to prevent entire types of software applications from opening with Windows. The following selections are on the General tab:
Normal startup. This setting instructs Windows to open all software applications that are normally scheduled to start with Windows
Diagnostic startup. This setting provides a command when Windows opens. Each software application scheduled to start with Windows is displayed, one at a time. Type a Y to open the listed software application or type an N to prevent the listed software application from opening.
Selective startup. Use this setting to prevent software applications of a certain type from starting. Once a specific software application type under Selective startup is selected, then all software applications of that type will open with Windows. For example, select Load startup items to open all
items listed on the Startup tab.
Config.sys (Windows 98 only)
This tab represents items listed inside the system configuration file. The system configuration file is responsible for opening software applications that set up and communicate with hardware components.
Autoexec.bat (Windows 98 only)
This tab represents items listed inside the automatically-executed batch file (autoexec). The autoexec file is responsible for opening DOS software applications before Windows opens. Most of the items inside the autoexec file are thanks to prevent from opening with windows.
System.ini
This tab represents items listed inside the system information file. The system.ini file is responsible for providing Windows with the following information:
Boot - Provides windows with a list of files that opens when Windows opens. Most files are needed for Windows to operate correctly, such as the power driver, Windows sound driver, and Windows mouse driver. Do not remove the check mark next to any item that contains a Windows flag icon next to
the listing.
Description - The names and settings of items, usually hardware, that are used by Windows. These settings should not be changed.
386Enh - Describes the file types that Windows will use for certain functions. Do not remove the check mark next to any item that contains a Windows flag icon next to the listing. Some software applications create a device= listing that causes communication problems with printers, external
storage devices, scanners, and cameras.
Drivers and Drivers32 - Provides Windows the file for audio and video formats. Do not remove the check mark next to any item that contains a Windows flag icon next to the listing.
The other items in this list set up the system environment.
Win.ini
This tab represents items listed inside the Windows information file. The win.ini file is responsible for providing Windows with the following information:
Windows - Software applications listed after load= or run= will automatically open with Windows. Remove the check mark to prevent the listed items from opening.
Desktop - Contains settings for the Windows Desktop. Do not disable Desktop. Instead, set the Windows Desktop theme to None from Display Settings.
Compatibility - Contains settings used by Windows to make certain software applications compatible with Windows. Do not disable.
Other items are settings set up the Windows environment.
Boot.ini (Windows XP)
This tab displays the boot.ini file used to boot Windows. Changes to how
Windows starts can be made here.
Services (Windows XP)
The Services tab lists the programs that start with Windows, or are run periodically by Windows.
Startup
This tab represents software applications that open automatically after Windows opens. Disable individual software applications by removing the
check mark next to the name and path.
For Windows XP, do not disable the following startup items:
Alcxmntr
backupnotify
ccapp
ccregvfy
kbd
LTMSG
NvCpl
ps2
recguard
VTTimer.
For Windows 98 and ME, do not disable the following startup items:
*statemgr (ME only)
hidserv (ME only)
Keyboard manager
Mgarvctlexe
MotiveMonitor
PCHealth
Primax3d Mouse.
ScanRegistry
SystemTray or SysTray
Taskbar Display Controls
USBMMKBD
Vshwin32.exe (98 only)
The following is a list of the types of software applications that open from the Start tab:
Anti-virus software - Disable Anti-virus software only when troubleshooting.
Keyboard managers - Disable to prevent the extended multimedia keys and volume control knob from working.
Systems tray icons - Disable to prevent a software application tray icon from displaying on the systems tray (next to the time).
Environment (Windows Me)
This tab contains the same information in both the Autoexec.bat and Config.sys tabs.
Static VxD
VxD (Virtual Extended Device Driver) files are software applications that load with Windows and are extensions of basic Windows functions. Other software applications and Windows functions may require these files. Disable Static VxD only for troubleshooting.
International
This tab is used to check and change the current language settings. Do not use the International tab. Use International Options from Control Panel instead.