Windows 7 / Getting Started

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Using the Selective and Diagnostic Startup Modes

Normal is the default startup mode. Normal startup ensures that Windows 7 loads all system configuration files and device drivers and runs all startup applications and enabled services. If your computer isn't performing properly or is generating errors at startup, you can use diagnostic or selective startup to try to determine the cause of the problem.

You use diagnostic startup to troubleshoot system problems. In diagnostic mode, your computer loads only basic device drivers and essential services. When you start the system in diagnostic mode, you can modify system settings to resolve configuration problems.

You use selective startup to identify problem areas in your computer's configuration. Selective startup is a modified boot configuration. Here, your computer only uses the system services and startup items you specify, which can help you identify settings that are causing system problems and correct them as necessary.

You can enable and use selective or diagnostic startup by completing these steps:

1. Click Start, type msconfig, and then press Enter to display the System Configuration utility.
2. On the General tab, select either Diagnostic Startup or Selective Startup. If you choose Selective Startup, specify the items that you want your computer to use. Your choices are:
   • Load System Services Sets the computer to load Windows services on startup. If you select this option, use the settings on the Services tab to specify which services are started.
   • Load Startup Items Sets the computer to run applications designated for startup at boot time. If you select this option, you can enable and disable startup applications by using the options on the Startup tab.
   • Use Original Boot Configuration Sets the computer to process the original boot configuration on startup instead of one you've created by modifying the boot settings with the System Configuration utility.
3. When you are ready to continue, click OK, and then reboot your computer. If you have problems rebooting your computer, restart the system in Safe Mode and repeat this procedure. Safe Mode appears automatically as an option after a failed boot.