System Configuration utility--Vista revamp

by Greg Shultz | Jan 31, 2007 3:34:00 PM

Tags: Greg Shultz

Takeaway: If you liked MSConfig.exe, you're going to love Windows Vista’s System Configuration utility.

If you've spent much time troubleshooting configuration errors in Windows XP, then you definitely have come to appreciate the System Configuration Utility or as it's more commonly known, MSConfig.exe. If so, you’re going to love Windows Vista’s System Configuration utility.

The new System Configuration utility sports a better organized and more concise user interface than its predecessor. And best of all, it now contains a Tools tab that makes it easy to access and run the operating system’s advanced diagnostic utilities. Let’s take a closer look.

Launching System Configuration

Of course, just like in Windows XP, and Windows 98/ME before it, you can launch Windows Vista’s System Configuration utility by pressing [Windows] +R to access the Run dialog box, typing msconfig.exe in the Open box, and then clicking OK. However, it's a bit quicker to take advantage of the Vista Start Menu’s Instant Search feature: just press [Windows] and begin typing the word System. By the time you type sys, System Configuration should appear at the top of the results pane and you can immediately press [Enter]. Keep in mind that either way you launch System Configuration; you’ll first have to go through a UAC dialog box.

Once System Configuration launches, as shown in Figure A, you’ll discover several differences when compared to Windows XP’s version, which is shown in Figure B. To begin with, you’ll notice that the word Utility has been dropped from the name of the tool. You’ll also notice that the new version no longer displays the SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI tabs (These files no longer exist in the new Windows operating system.) and that the BOOT.INI tab is now named simply Boot. You’ll also notice a new tab titled Tools.

Figure A

In Windows Vista’s System Configuration tool, you’ll find that the BOOT.INI tab has been renamed to Boot and that there is a new tab titled Tools.

Figure B

When you compare Windows XP’s System Configuration Utility, you’ll see that the SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI tabs no longer exist.

Vista Tip

While you can easily access the Run dialog box by pressing [Windows] +R, you’ll discover that the Run command no longer appears on Windows Vista’s Start menu by default. It was removed to make room for other commands. However, you can easily put it back in place. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select the Properties command,

2. When the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box appears, make sure that the Start Menu tab is selected.

3. Click the Customize button adjacent to the Start Menu option.

4. Scroll down the list and select the Run Command check box.

5. Click OK.

General

When you look at the contents of the General tab, shown in Figure A, you’ll notice that it contains the same three startup options as the Windows XP version. Of course, the default is Normal Startup, which loads all the normal device drivers and services. The Diagnostic Startup option loads only with basic services and drivers while the Selective Startup provides you with the option to selectively load system services and startup programs. (The Use Original Boot Configuration check box stays selected unless you change the default setting on the Boot tab.)

h2>Boot

When you access the Boot tab, as shown in Figure C, you'll see that the options and check box settings use friendly names rather then employing the cryptic syntax-based names used in the Boot.ini file. Other than the name changes, all of the settings in the Boot Options panel are the same as in Windows XP.

Figure C

The options and check box settings on the Boot tab use friendly names rather then employing cryptic syntax-based names.

In the lower right, you’ll find a new check box titled Make All Boot Settings Permanent. When you select this check box, System Configuration will not keep track of any changes that you make. In other words, you will not be able to undo any changes simply by selecting Normal Startup on the General tab. With this setting enabled, you must manually revert any, and all, changes that you've made previously.

Clicking the Advanced Options button brings up the Boot Advanced Options dialog box, shown in Figure D. Like the options and check box settings in the Boot Options panel, you’ll find friendly names and all the same settings. The main difference is that in Windows Vista you can now choose and configure the USB port as one of the kernel debugging options.

Figure D

The Boot Advanced Options dialog box now allows you to use USB, in addition to COM and 1394, as a kernel debugging connection.

Services

On the Services tab, you’ll find a list of all the services that start when the computer boots, along with their current status--either Running or Stopped--as shown in Figure E. Just like in Windows XP, you can enable or disable individual services at boot time to troubleshoot services that might be contributing to startup problems. System Configuration will now keep track of the date on which you disabled a particular service.

Figure E

On the Services tab, you’ll discover that System Configuration will now keep track of the date on which you disabled a particular service.

Startup

Selecting the Startup tab will show you a list of all the applications that run when the Windows Vista starts, as shown in Figure F. Two new features on the Startup tab include the Manufacturer heading, which can be a big help in identifying an application and Date Disabled heading, which will help you keep track of the date on which you disabled a startup application.

Figure F

The Startup tab lists all the applications that are currently loading when Windows Vista starts up.

Tools

The new Tools tab is a really useful resource to have at your fingertips when troubleshooting configuration errors. As you can see in Figures G and H, the list of tools is comprehensive and includes detailed descriptions. And it’s easy to use: just select the tool you want and click the Launch button.

Figure G

The Tools tab makes it easy to access and run the operating system’s advanced diagnostic utilities.

Figure H

The list of tools is provided by Windows Vista’s System Configuration utility is quite extensive.

Conclusion

If you’ve used the System Configuration Utility in Windows XP for troubleshooting configuration errors, then you’ll fee right at home should you find yourself needing to troubleshoot similar problems in Windows Vista. And, you’ll find many new features as I’ve pointed out in this article. If you have any information or comments to share about Windows Vista’s System Configuration tool, please stop by the Discussion area and let us hear from you.

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IF I HAD TO KNOW HOW TO ADJUST ANYTHING-- BALTHOR | 02/01/07

It's an improvement but.... mistywindow | 02/02/07

Now it there was just a setting . . . MR 'T' | 02/05/07

Disable the UAC rhasby@... | 02/05/07

There is a setting to disable UAC prompts Sytron | 02/14/07

RE: System Configuration utility--Vista revamp dkorpershoek@... | 06/18/07

RE: System Configuration utility--Vista revamp mestevenboi@... | 10/08/07