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Helpdesk - How-to Guides - Using Microsoft System Configuration to disable applications from starting up

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When you set up a new application onto your computer, often the installation program include an item to load when the computer starts (also known as "startup"). This is often automatically done without the users' knowledge, often so a program can boot faster or so the user has easier access to it such as through an icon in the notification area.

Whilst having applications load at startup is essential for the running of the product (such as internet security suites), having this occur in many applications can result in the computer taking long time to start. Running Microsoft System Configuration will enable you toincrease the performance of your computer by disable applications you do not need or require from starting up.

Here's how to use Microsoft System Configuration to disable applications from starting up:

In Windows Vista:

	Click Start.
	Click Run.
	In the 'Run' box, type "msconfig" and click OK.
	System Configuration Utility will appear.
	Click the Startup tab.
	Uncheck the startup items you wish to disable from starting up. Please note: If you do not know what applications are in the which appear in the startup list, and which essential or not, it is recommended you consult the "Startup Applications List" located at http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php.
	Click OK.
	System Configuration Utility may then advise that you need to restart your computer to apply these changes. To restart now, click Restart, otherwise, click Exit without restart. If you select the latter, then the changes will take affect upon your next restart.
	Upon restarting the computer, System Configuration will then advise that you've used it to make changes to the way Windows starts. Select the checkbox "Don't show this message or start System Configuration when Windows starts.". Click OK.
	That's it! The performance of your computer should increase. If you find a program does not work properly after this, go back into System Configuration and reenable the startup item by checking the startup item.

In Windows XP:

	Click Start.
	In the 'Start Search' box, type "msconfig" and press ENTER.
	Accept the prompt for an administrator password or confirmation (User Account Control prompt).
	System Configuration will appear.
	Click the Startup tab.
	Uncheck the startup items you wish to disable from starting up. Please note: If you do not know what applications are in the which appear in the startup list, and which essential or not, it is recommended you consult the "Startup Applications List" located at http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php.
	Click OK.
	System Configuration may then advise that you need to restart your computer to apply these changes. To restart now, click Restart, otherwise, click Exit without restart. If you select the latter, then the changes will take affect upon your next restart.
	Upon restarting the computer, System Configuration will then advise that you've used it to make changes to the way Windows starts. Select the checkbox "Don't show this message or start System Configuration when Windows starts.". Click OK.
	That's it! The performance of your computer should increase. If you find a program does not work properly after this, go back into System Configuration and reenable the startup item by checking the startup item.