MSCONFIG Startup-What is necessary?

I assume you mean what items under Startup tab in msconfig are necessary for Windows to run. The answer is none. All may be disabled.

Some you will want for convenience, but none are needed by the operating system itself. Most PCs I see have at least twice as many items loading as are needed for "convenience" or to allow loading of desirable software or components upon startup.

Dalton

This depends a lot on what software you have installed.

You don't actually "need" to leave anything in startup enabled.

However, there are applications that you might desire to leave enabled to use your computer effectively.

Items that you normally want to leave enabled include:

Anti-Virus;
Firewall;
Network and Internet connection programs;

Items you may want to leave enabled include:

Control panels for your sound and video cards;
Standby mode applications for scanners, printers and other remote hardware;
Quick launch features for some programs (such as MS Office and Firefox);
Some screen savers;
"Reminder" applications such as personal information managers;
Desktop tools such as calenders;
Instant messaging;

Items you DON'T want:

Spy-ware and related reporting applications;
Internet dialers that are NOT for your ISP;
Multiple similar function utilities;

You might be better off asking about specific entries, or even listing here what is listed on your startup tab.

Chas

When you say: "I assume everything else can be turned off?" I hope you aren't referring to any of the other TABS in msconfig?
There are General, System.ini, Win.ini,Boot.ini, Services and Startup TABS.

As previously mentioned you do not Need anything in startup, however if you want to turn anything else off I would suggest only Non-Microsoft Services. You can click on the Services tab and select: "Hide Microsoft Services" and then disable all that are left.

Peter

A great way of controlling startup settings is a program written by Mike Lin called "Startup".
It can be found here:
www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
I have found it to be invaluable in troubleshooting slow startups and manufacturer memory hogs.
It also will stop the MS nag screen about changing startup values.
Ken

You may want to visit the "service configuration" page at blackviper.com It should be helpful.

What about if I'm using Toshiba laptop Portege A100, there are some of those startup item that come with Toshiba pack. Should I disable them? Because after finding out some of the details on those startup items, they all seems necessary for my laptop to be functional.

Thanx