SOHOLogics

Unhappy with your Windows Startup Routine?

By: Christy Osborne

Ever asked, why is my computer starting or running so slow? We have the answer. Check out this article. We'll tell you about a tool that comes with Windows that you can take advantage of to speed up your PC right now!

Windows utilizes MSCONFIG for troubleshooting and allows you the ability to disable startup programs so your computer will boot faster. A slower boot may be caused by unnecessary, hidden programs that if turned off can make your computer start faster. These startup programs may also cause your computer to run slower while you use the system. MSCONFIG is included with Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.

Wipe Out Unnecessary Programs

1. Click the Start Button, located on the Windows Taskbar.
2. Then click Run.
3. In the text box, type “msconfig,” and click OK, for the “System Configuration Utility” window to appear.
4. Select the Startup tab.

Within this window, a list of "startup items" are listed which run on your computer, and are automatically loaded every time you turn on your computer. Some startup programs are absolutely necessary, others are not.

Some of the essential startup items include:

• ScanRegistry
• TaskMonitor
• SystemTray
• LoadPowerProfile
• Your antivirus program
• Your antispyware program
• Device Driver startup programs

Make sure these startup items are running all the time in order for your computer to work properly, by making sure there is always a check mark next to all of these startup items. You can test the validity of each startup program by searching its name on Google or your favorite search engine.

It is worth noting that you should be very careful with MSCONFIG. Use this program at your own risk. If something does stop working on your system, you can re-enable the program in MSCONFIG at any time.