After reading my recent blog post, Use Windows 7 Event Viewer to track down issues that cause slower boot times, a friend who just recently made the move to Microsoft Windows 7 from Windows XP asked me whether the System Configuration Utility was still a viable tool to use in Windows 7. After I assured him that it was still a useful troubleshooting tool and described the modifications in the new version, I thought that a lot of people moving from XP to Windows 7 might have the same question.
Therefore, in this edition of the Windows Desktop Report, I'll take a closer look Windows 7's System Configuration utility.
Launching System Configuration
Of course, just like in Windows XP, you can launch the Windows 7 System Configuration utility by pressing [Windows] +R to access the Run dialog box, typing msconfig.exe in the Open box, and then clicking OK. However, it is a bit quicker to just click the Start button, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and press [Enter].
Once System Configuration launches, you'll discover several differences when compared to the Windows XP version. To begin with, you'll notice that the word Utility has been dropped from the name of the tool. You'll also notice a more concise set of tabs. Let take a closer look.
(Keep in mind that the clicking the Help button will provide you with the details of each option in System Configuration.)
General
When you look at the contents of the General tab, you'll notice that it contains the same three startup options as the Windows XP version. Of course, the default is Normal Startup, which loads all the normal device drivers and services. The Diagnostic Startup option loads only with basic services and drivers while the Selective Startup provides you with the option to selectively load system services and startup programs. (The Use Original Boot Configuration check box stays selected unless you change the default setting on the Boot tab.)
This gallery is also available as an entry in the TechRepublic Microsoft Windows Blog.
Screenshot by Greg Shultz.
Gallery: Troubleshooting features found in the Windows 7 System Configuration tool
by Greg Shultz | November 2, 2010, 1:47pm PDT | Image 1 of 7
In Windows 7's System Configuration tool you'll find a more concise set of tabs
In Windows 7's System Configuration tool you'll find a more concise set of tabs - Image 1 of 7
Related Galleries
No messages found
No messages found
Log in to display your contacts' posts.
Once logged in, adding contacts is simple. Just mouse over any member's photo or click any member's name then click the "Follow" button. You can easily manage your contacts within your account contacts page.
