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MSConfig isn't included with any of the Windows 2000 operating systems either. However, you can copy the utility from a Windows XP system and use it on a Windows 2000 computer without any issues. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
MSConfig isn't included with any of the Windows NT 4.0 operating systems either. Unfortunately, I couldn't get MSConfig from any of the other operating systems to work successfully with Windows NT 4.0. If you are still using Windows NT 4.0, you will have to edit the registry using regedit or regedt32 in order to stop programs from automatically loading that don't need to. That's beyond the scope of this article.
To run the MSConfig utility, use the following sequence:
Start -> Run -> MSConfig
(When you click on the "Run" option on the "Start" Menu, the "Run" box will open. Type "MSConfig" (without the quotes) in the "Open" field on the "Run" box, and then click "OK".)
The "System Configuration Utility" window will appear. Click on "Startup" tab. This is the only tab that you need to work with. The "Startup" tab lists all programs that are automatically loading when Windows starts. To stop a program from automatically loading when Windows starts, you simply uncheck the box next to the program entry. It's that easy! This can still look pretty intimidating to the average computer user. It's important to remember that none of these programs are essential for the operating system to function. You can uncheck all of the entries and the operating system will still continue to function just fine.
Now having said that, there are few entries that you will want to to leave enabled for your own protection, such as all entries pertaining to your antivirus software. You can generally tell, which entries pertain to your antivirus software by reading the program name and program path. If any of the entries contain "NAV", "McAfee", "Symantec", "AVG", "Grisoft", etc., you probably want to leave the entry enabled. Also, if you have a Windows 98 PC, you should leave the "ScanReg" entry enabled because this makes backup copies of the registry.
Once you are done disabling all non-essential entries, click "OK". The MSConfig utility will prompt you to reboot, so do so. You should notice that the operating system boots at lot faster without having to load all of those non-essential programs. Your computer may even operate faster in general.
Now, if you use the MSConfig utility and find that you have lost an essential function such as your scanner no longer works or your printer no longer works, don't worry! Run the MSConfig utility again and re-enable any entries that may pertain to your printer, scanner, or the function has has been lost. For example, if you had a Lexmark printer, re-enable any entries that contain "Lexmark", and then click "OK" and reboot again. The functionality should be restored. This is a really nice feature of MSConfig because the disabled entries aren't deleted, so you can re-enable them at any time. |