• MSCONFIG stands for Microsoft System Configuration Utility. This tool is built into the Microsoft operating systems Windows 98, NT, ME, XP, Vista, and 7. MSCONFIG can be accessed by entering command:run MSCONFIG in older operating systems or doing a search for MSCONFIG and clicking on the executable file in newer Windows operating systems. Microsoft users mainly utilize MSCONFIG in order to help their computer boot up and run faster, in addition to diagnosing problems. While MSCONFIG features vary slightly between operating systems, Windows Vista consists of five different tabs including general, boot, services, startup, and tools.
  
  

General

• The general tab of MSCONFIG allows for either a normal computer startup, which loads all drivers, or a diagnostic startup, which loads only drivers necessary for Windows to run. A user can deselect "load startup items" if he doesn't want any programs to be loaded in the sidebar when Windows boots up. This provides for a faster boot time but reduced access to favorite programs.
  
  

Boot

• While general allows for general boot options, the boot tab allows a specific computer startup mode to be selected. These include a minimal boot, an alternate boot, directory repair, or network. Users may want to select a certain boot option when spyware programs have taken over their computer and they do not want these programs to be loaded upon startup.
  
  

Services

• Windows services are executable programs that run in the background of the computer, meaning that the user cannot usually identify them. These services are usually critical processes necessary to the running of the Windows operating system. Necessary services are usually labeled SYSTEM, LOCAL SERVICE, or NETWORK SERVICE. Users may want to stop third-party services from being loaded to speed up their computer.
  
  

Startup

• The startup tab determines which programs are loaded when the computer boots. These programs are not critical to Windows operation. Users can select or deselect the programs they want to load on startup by using checkboxes. Generally speaking, the fewer programs that are checked, the faster you can use the computer after booting it.
  
  

Tools

• Many of the features in the tools tab are also available by going to the Windows control panel. These include a tool to add or remove programs and one to view information about your current Windows version. A system restore feature is included in later Windows versions, which restores your computer to a previous state. This feature is particularly useful for operating systems that have been damaged due to deleted system files, spyware, or viruses. Other features of the tool tab include a command prompt, a registry editor to edit software information, Internet settings, and a systems configuration setting.