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Tech Tips / Windows XP / Installation and Configuration

Troubleshoot configuration issues with the System Configuration Utility

Windows XP ships with the System Configuration Utility that helps administrators troubleshoot configuration issues. To launch the utility, type msconfig in the Run prompt.

Here are the tabs and a few of their features that are displayed within the System Configuration Utility:

• General: This lists three startup options - Normal, Diagnostic, and Selective. It also provides a button that launches System Restore.
• System.ini: This displays the contents of the System.ini file and lets you control what it loads.
• Win.ini: This displays the contents of the Win.ini file and lets you control what it loads.
• Boot.ini files: This displays the Boot.ini file and allows you to change several boot options.
• Services: This lists all of the services that are installed on the computer and their operational status, whether running or stopped. It also provides a feature that lists the services that are not from Microsoft, which allows you to easily identify installed services that are not a part of Windows XP.
• Startup: This lists all of the applications that automatically start when you log on, including the applications that start from the various registry keys. It also allows you to disable these applications from automatically running.