USING SELECTIVE STARTUP TO REMOVE STUBBORN PROGRAMS

If there are still programs loading into the background at startup that you just can't seem to remove using any of the techniques discussed in this lesson so far, there's one last thing you can do. Well, actually there are two last things, but one of them -- editing the Registry manually -- is not recommend so it's not covered.

That leaves the following method. Use these steps to examine the list of startup programs and disable some of them if desired:

  1. Select Start > Run.
  2. In the Run box, type MSCONFIG, and then click OK. The System Configuration Utility window opens.
  3. Click the Startup tab. Each item that loads at startup has its own line here, as shown in Figure 2-9.
Figure 2-9: The Startup tab lets you disable certain startup items.
Figure 2-9: The Startup tab lets you disable certain startup items.

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  1. Clear the checkbox for any item you want to disable, and then close the window and reboot to see the effects.
  2. When you reboot, you may see a warning message that the computer is running in selective startup mode; click OK.

After rebooting, check all your essential background programs, such as your virus checker, to make sure they all still work. If needed, reenter the System Configuration Editor later and reenable an item.

Some computer tech support centers may recommend that you disable everything that was loading at startup through the System Configuration Utility. This is bad advice! You should be very judicious about disabling startup items here. Some of them need to load for important services, such as virus protection, to work.

Moving On

In this lesson, you learned how to identify and manage background programs. Streamlining the list of programs that run in the background can greatly improve your computer's performance. It's an amazing difference on some systems! Check your understanding of the material by completing the assignment and quiz, and then check the Message Board for any announcements or questions from fellow students.

In Lesson 3, you'll learn about updates and patches to Windows -- why they're important, and how to acquire and install them.