Hi Wendy,
By using MSconfig utility you can stop unwanted programs from loading in
the Windows Startup. For detailed usage of the msconfig utility you can
follow the instructions in the article given below :
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&Product=winxp
or
SUMMARY
This article describes how to troubleshoot configuration errors in
Microsoft Windows XP by using the System Configuration utility
(Msconfig.exe).
MORE INFORMATION
The System Configuration utility automates the routine troubleshooting
steps that Microsoft Product Support Services Support Professionals use
when they diagnose system configuration issues. When you use this tool to
modify the system configuration, you can select check boxes to eliminate
issues that do not pertain to your configuration. This process reduces the
risk of typing errors that can occur if you use a text editor such as
Notepad. You must be logged on as an administrator or as a member of the
Administrators group to use the System Configuration utility.
To start the System Configuration utility, click Start, click Run, type
msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK.
When you use Msconfig.exe, you can easily reset or change the
configuration
settings in Windows to include preferences for the following files and
settings:
The System.ini file
The Win.ini file
The Boot.ini file
Programs that are set to load during the startup process (these programs
are specified in the Startup folder and in the registry)
Environment settings
International settings
To prevent any of these items from loading when you restart the computer,
use either of the following methods:
Click the General tab, and then click Diagnostic Startup - load basic
devices and services only. When you use this option, device drivers and
software are loaded interactively when you restart the computer.
NOTE: This method temporarily disables Microsoft services (for example,
Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, and Error Reporting) and
permanently deletes all restore points for the System Restore utility. Do
not do this if you want to retain your restore points for System Restore
or
need to use a Microsoft service to test a problem.
-or-
Click the General tab, and then click Selective Startup. You can select
the
options that you do not want to load when you restart the computer. These
options include:
Process SYSTEM.INI File
The following settings apply to these options:
If the check box is selected, the configuration file is processed when you
restart the computer.
If the check box is cleared, the configuration file is not processed when
you restart the computer.
If the check box is selected but is unavailable, some items are still
loading from that configuration file when you restart the computer.
If the check box is not selected, but is unavailable, the configuration
file is not present on the computer.
You cannot clear the Use Original BOOT.INI check box.
NOTE: Clearing the Load System Services check box disables Microsoft
services (for example, Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, and Error
Reporting) and permanently deletes all restore points for the System
Restore utility. Do not do this if you want to retain your restore points
for System Restore or need to use a Microsoft service to test a problem.
Before you begin a troubleshooting session, you can use the System
Configuration utility to initiate a System Restore operation. To do this,
click the General tab, and then click Launch System Restore. You can then
create a restore point that you can use to restore your computer to a
previous state.
To prevent individual items or lines form a specific configuration file
from loading when you restart your computer, click the tab for that
particular configuration file, and then click to clear the check box for
the individual line or item that you do not want to load. Check boxes that
are unavailable on the SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI tabs indicate that the lines
are temporarily removed by the System Configuration utility.
To change the currently active line or item, click a different line or
item, or click Move Up or Move Down to move between items.
To create a new entry in any of the configuration files, click New.
To edit a line that is currently selected, click Edit.
NOTE: When you click to clear a check box for an item or a line, the
Selective Startup option (on the General tab) is automatically selected.
After you make the selections that you want, click OK, and then restart
the
computer when you are prompted to initiate the changes.
To extract individual Windows files directly from the cabinet files, click
the General tab, and then click Expand File.
To verify that all of the configuration files and all of the items that
are
listed in those files are loaded when you restart your computer, click the
General tab, and then click Normal startup.
REFERENCES
For additional information about how to troubleshoot Windows XP Startup
problems, click the following article number to view the article in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base:
308041 Resources for Troubleshooting Startup Problems in Windows XP
For additional information about how to perform a clean boot in Windows
XP,
click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base:
310353 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
For additional information about how to use System Restore to restore
Windows XP, click the following article number to view the article in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base:
306084 HOW TO: Restore the Operating System to a Previous State in Windows
XP
For additional information you can access the KB article given below:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314488&Product=winxp
To improve the performance of Windows XP system during the system startup
you can follow the instructions in the article given below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/tips/october/ruffin1.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/expertzone/columns/mcfedries/03june16.asp
S.Vijay
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
