Daniel said:
I don't know how to decipher the names listed on the
startup menu so I do not know what to select or deselect.
Can anyone HELP!!???? I am 66 yr. old novice!
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MSCONFIG should be used for troubleshooting to determine the cause of specific
issues. The end goal should always be to return MSCONFIG back to Normal Startup
and not have any difficulties booting up and operating the computer. That said, you could
use the utility to identify what non Microsoft Services and Startup items are loading when
you boot up to the desktop screen. If you determine that some Startup item belongs to a
detrimental program, then it is best to first try to uninstall that program from
Control Panel | Add or Remove Programs - (MSCONFIG should always be in Normal
Startup before uninstalling any programs)
Here is a site that you can try for identifying startup items:
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php?type=text
Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles concerning MSCONFIG:
How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560
How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=310353
Another article that may be of help to you:
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;827315
Also you should acquaint yourself to this information:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx
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