What is MSCONFIG?

There is a secret little program that you should know about called "Microsoft System Configuration Utility" or simply "msconfig”.  It’s a program designed to help you manage which programs get started when your computer starts up.

Most people know that the more programs you have running on your computer at once, the more likely it is that your computer will run slow.   What most people don't know is that every time you boot your computer little "hidden" programs load in the background. Some of these hidden programs are essential, but most are not. Turning off some of these hidden programs can significantly increase your computer's performance and reliability.

Here is how to use MSCONFIG on Windows 98, 98SE, ME, and XP to disable some of the unnecessary programs that automatically load on start-up.

Click:  StartàRun then type msconfig click OK

This launches (MSCONFIG) Microsoft's System Configuration Utility.

Click: the Startup tab.  (The last tab at the far right)

This takes you to a page with a list of "startup items." Startup items are programs that are automatically loaded every time you turn on your computer. Some startup programs are absolutely necessary; some are convenient, while others are a waste of good system resources.

If you are using Windows XP, all of Windows essential programs are loaded through something called "Windows Services." This means that most of the startup items you see in XP are completely optional and can be turned off.  If you click Disable All then reboot, Windows will use only those essential programs to load and your computer should run much faster. 

 

You may want to leave some programs checked like msnmsgr which is Microsoft’s Instant Messenger but remember you can always click StartàRunàMsconfigàOKàClick Startup Tab then select the programs you wish to start automatically the next time you reboot.

The only startup items you absolutely need are:

Click:  http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php for a complete list of Startup Applications and what they mean.

What about Windows 95, NT, and 2000?

Windows NT or 2000 users may download the official, Windows XP version of MSCONFIG at http://www.thetechguide.com/downloads.html

A message will pop up telling you that you must restart your computer before these changes will take effect. Click on "Yes" and your computer will automatically reboot.

5. Click on the OK button

Now!  Your computer should now run faster.