How to - Run 'msconfig' - Win 7

Windows 7: Troubleshooting with MSConfig

In the tech support world, MSConfig (the System Configuration Utility) is the "control center" for your PC’s boot process. If your Windows 7 machine is taking forever to start or throwing strange errors as soon as the desktop loads, MSConfig is the first place to look. It allows you to temporarily disable startup programs and services to figure out exactly what is slowing you down.

How to Launch MSConfig in Windows 7

1. Click the Start button (the Windows Orb) in the bottom-left corner.

2. In the search box, type msconfig and press Enter.

3. The System Configuration window will pop up.

Key Tabs to Know

• General: Use "Selective startup" here to test your PC with only basic services. If your problem disappears in this mode, you know a third-party app is the culprit.

• Boot: This is where you can check the Safe boot box to force your computer into Safe Mode on the next restart.

  • Chasms Tip: Don't forget to come back and uncheck this once you're fixed, or you'll be stuck in Safe Mode!

• Startup: This tab lists every program that starts automatically. Unchecking heavy apps like printer helpers or old media players is the fastest way to speed up an older Windows 7 machine.

• Tools: A "hidden" directory of other useful diagnostic tools like Event Viewer and Resource Monitor.