MSCONFIG - Prevent Applications from loading

[Chris]

(please wait for images to load)

The System Configuration Utility or MSCONFIG can be used in many ways, to troubleshoot configuration issues to preventing applications from starting when Windows loads/boots.

To use msconfig click Start and then Run

Now type: msconfig

Now click OK. (see pic below)

Now click Startup up at the top. (see pic below)

All applications that are are ticked will start when Windows boots up. These however can be meaninless unless you know what they are. Click here or here for a full list of startup applications, if you don't need them untick the box and Windows will ignore them at boot up. You can though still start them from desktop or from the programs menu. (see pic below)

Note: If you are using Windows 98/98SE/ME then you MUST NOT untick: SysTray as this is needed by Windows to work properly.

AntiVirus and Firewall

If you are running AntiVirus and a Firewall you can prevent these applications from starting using msconfig. But this will leave you vunerable to a computer virus (antivirus) and open to the internet (firewall). It is best to leave these applications as they are in msconfig, this way they will continue to protect your computer, when Windows loads.

When you click OK msconfig will give you the option to restart the computer or to exit msconfig and you can continue to use the computer. If you want the changes you have just made to take effect, then click Restart. (see pic below)

Now you should notice (if you decided to Restart the computer) that Windows booted much quicker and you should now have more RAM available to you.

Using Windows 95 or Windows 2000?

Unfortunately msconfig is not included in these two versions of Windows. However there are many third party applications that can be used in the same way as msconifg.

An example of one such application is Startup Control Panel which can be downloaded from here. As above just untick the application that you do not need and it will not load when Windows starts. (see pic below)

(with thanks to Spikeychris)

[monkeyhanger]

Good tutorial powerless. :)

Any chance of running one on services? :rolleyes:

[monkeyhanger]

Also the hide microsoft services button.

[-pops-]

You could, on XP, also change the Service configurations as advised by Black Viper

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

[Chris]

Yup, consult viper on the services.

[monkeyhanger]

Yup, consult viper on the services.

Excellent young man. :D

Thanks pops for that link. Some good info on it. :D

[Chris]

I'm Win 98SE will it work for that?

msconfig will.

Services is not present.

[moon]

This tiny little 60k app. will prevent programmes from ever getting into your Startup folder - unless you want them to. It just asks as you install stuff. Some progs. contain several files which would otherwise run and clog your bootup process.

Startup Monitor.

[mark2]

And msconfig for W95 and W2000 is available via this page

[moon]

By the time msconfig is needed the damage has already been done. Startup Monitor stops it before it starts.

[monkeyhanger]

If I ever have to reinstall, then msconfig \ startup is always my first port of call after the software has been installed.

[moon]

Startup Monitor will save you the trouble. :D

[monkeyhanger]

Startup Monitor will save you the trouble.  :D

Is this built into windows or do you have to download it? :unsure:

is this the one?

[moon]

That's the one. You will never have to unclog your startup folder again. I never let any new software into the startup folder, and that includes 'clean-up' apps. that come as part of a larger package.

[Guest Grim Reaper]

the file logs changes to your startup menu and asks if you wish to allow these changes, you don't actually see it working until something really changes.

you certainly shouldnt see it on boot up.