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System Configuration
System Configuration enables you to temporarily or permanently change how your Windows system starts. By placing System Configuration (MSConfig.exe) in the Administrative Tools folder, Windows 7 makes this program easier to start than in Windows XP, where it is usually started from the Run command. However, that's not the only difference.
The General tab continues to be used for selecting normal, diagnostic (basic devices and services only), or selective startup option. However, other tabs have been removed or changed.
Windows 7's System Configuration no longer includes the now-obsolete System.ini, Win.ini, and Boot.ini tabs. The Boot.ini tab is now replaced by the Boot tab for managing boot order and boot options.
The Startup tab, as before, enables you to manage startup programs. However, it now tracks when you disable an entry, so it's easier for you to determine the impact on your system when you change startup information (Figure 11).
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Figure 11 System Configuration's Startup tab now tracks when a program was disabled (right column).
The last major change is in the Tools menu, which includes shortcuts to a different combination of tools than in Windows XP (* indicates those new or enhanced in Windows 7 versus XP):
- About Windows
- Change UAC Settings*
- Action Center*
- Windows Troubleshooting*
- Computer Management
- System Information
- Event Viewer*
- Programs*
- System Properties*
- Internet Options
- Internet Protocol Configuration
- Resource Monitor*
- Performance Monitor*
- Task Manager *
- Command Prompt
- Registry Editor
- Remote Assistance*
- System Restore*
As you can see from this list, you can use System Configuration as a "one-stop shop" for most computer management needs.