Is your computer is running slowly? Could it be that a rogue process is
interfering with your programs? If so then investigate with the Task Manager,
but if problem is related to startup then launch the built-in MSConfig utility.
I recommend that you start your quest for a rogue process here in the
Startup tab. This is where all sorts of utilities 'bully' their way
into your Windows 8 startup routine. Even on a machine that's working
fine, I would review this list, just so you know what's going on.
While it's tempting to disable some of the Adobe, Logitech or Google
items, the disadvantage is that your normal programs will be slower to
initialize the first time you use them. Thus be careful before
removing any ticks in the first column.
If you really don't want a utility it's worth visiting the Control Panel, Uninstall a
Program. And if there is no corresponding entry, then it's one of
two extremes, a harmless built-in process, or a virus; googling the name
will reveal which it is.
Incidentally, this location column reminds us that many of these startup
settings are in the registry. Indeed, if you disable an item MSConfig
moves it to a temporary registry key where it won't be run. For even
more control try Sysinternals enhanced MSConfig utility.
Service MSConfig Tab
To me, this is just a reminder of how the Windows Services are configured
for startup, I prefer to configure the same information via the Services.msc
applet.
General MSConfig Windows 8 Tab
I rarely change the settings on this General tab, but I would consider
checking 'Diagnostic startup' if I cannot find the rogue program in the Startup
tab.
This refers to information held in the Boot.ini file. If your
Windows 8 machine takes ages to start then investigate options such as Safe
boot with network. You can also see these options
be interrupting the regular boot with F8, however the benefit of using
MSConfig when troubleshooting is the boot options 'stick', until you change
them.
The advanced tab is interesting, but rarely of much use unless you are a
debugger. However, I once found a machine where the
Maximum Memory was set way below the amount of RAM installed. It
turned out a tester forget to return the setting to it's default.
Another job for the Boot Tab would be on a dual-boot machine where you
want to choose the second operating system as the default.
Guy
Recommends: The Free Config Generator
SolarWinds' Config Generator is a free tool, which puts you in charge of
controlling changes to network routers and other SNMP devices.
Boost your network performance by activating network device features
you've already paid for.
Guy says that for newbies the biggest benefit of this free tool is that
it will provide the impetus for you to learn more about configuring the SNMP
service with its 'Traps' and 'Communities'.
The Windows 8 Task Manager has been redesigned, in addition to a Services
tab, it now has a Startup tab, which could spare the need for calling for
MSConfig.
»
See How to Refresh Windows 8
Launch an executable called recimg. Remember that folder must exist
before you create the image. Once you have succeed in creating an
image, you can refresh via the Control Panel.
See more on Recreating Windows 8.
Other Jobs for MSConfig
It surprised me that you could employ MSConfig to change the UAC
settings. See here for more about
MSConfig and Windows 8 UAC.
Summary of Windows 8 MSConfig Startup
If you take the time to check your Windows 8 system startup settings,
then I bet that you find at least one suspicious entry. In my case it
was Secunia PSI tray. But then I remember installing this handy
software inspector, so in this instance it was a false alarm.
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