Windows 7 / Getting Started

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Troubleshooting with the System Configuration Utility

The System Configuration utility enables you to disable programs that automatically run when Windows starts. You can disable most of the programs to prevent them from running and then enable each program to identify the one that's causing problems.

To determine which programs are running on startup and to pick and choose which programs you want to run, perform a diagnostic startup:

1. Click Start, type system con, and click System Configuration (near the top of the Start menu).
2. Click the Services tab and click Hide all Microsoft services. By hiding Microsoft services, you avoid accidentally disabling a service that's critical for the operation of Windows.
3. Click the check box next to each service you don't want Windows to run on startup, being careful not to disable services that are crucial for securing your computer, such as antivirus services. (You can click the Disable all button and enable the items you do want Windows to run on startup.)
4. Click the Startup tab. A list of all the background programs that run on startup appears.
5. Click the check box next to each program you don't want Windows to run on startup, being careful not to disable programs that are crucial for securing your computer, such as antivirus services. (You can click the Disable All button and enable the programs you do want Windows to run on startup.)
6. Click OK. The System Configuration dialog box appears, prompting you to restart your computer.
7. Exit any currently running programs and click the Restart button. Windows restarts. A message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, reminding you that you blocked some programs.

If the problem is no longer present, you now know that one of the services or programs you disabled is causing the problem and you can enable one or two services and programs at a time to narrow the list of possibilities. If the problem is still present, run the System Configuration utility again, disable more startup programs, and restart your PC. Using this strategy, you can focus on the program or service that's causing the problem.