Using MSConfig, the Microsoft System Configuration Tool
The Microsoft System Configuration utility tool is a handy program built into Windows versions since Windows 98. It allows you to change how Windows starts and what programs run with it.
This is a very useful function if you are trying to diagnose what’s slowing a computer or to get rid of an irritating message.
To start it, click Start and Run and type MSCONFIG. In Vista do the same except type MSCONFIG in the Search box.
For most people, the important part of MSConfig is the Start Up tab, this lists all the programs starting up with Windows and lets you turn them off with a tick. If you find an important function stops working, then you can undo it simply by ticking the box again.
There are millions of programs that can start with your computer, if you’re not sure what one is then you can search it’s name on the Sysinfo website.
Note though that more sophisticated spyware and viruses hide themselves deeper in the system or hitch hike on legitimate programs, so not everything that starts up will be listed.
The other important part for novice users is the General Tab where you can choose diagnostic startup which is the equivalent to Safe Mode.
The other tabs in the tool are for more advanced users. If you don’t know what you are doing, then you should call for an experienced tech.
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December 25th, 2007 at 10:30 am
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February 20th, 2008 at 12:59 am
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March 8th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Thanks for this info on yhe Vostro 1500. I am a novice and there was some pretty scary “fixes” out there on the web. Your suggestion worked like a charm
April 16th, 2008 at 9:34 am
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April 17th, 2008 at 9:01 am
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April 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
[...] fix this, open the System Configuration tool and take the ticks off the startup options pointing to KHATARNAK.EXE and the other items that are [...]
June 16th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
[...] fix the error message, open the system configuration tool, select the Start Up tab and take the tick off Wmdsync.exe. This will fix the error [...]
June 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
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December 4th, 2008 at 5:11 am
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