Optimizing Your Startup

Before you optimize your computer's startup sequence, go to http://www.answersthatwork.com. This valuable site has a definitive list of Windows startup services, and it provides expert advice on those you can and can't live without. Click the Library of Answers That Work button. On the next page, click The TASK LIST. Now open Windows System Configuration utility.

To open the System Configuration utility

1. Click the Start menu.

2. Click Run.

3. In the Run box, type msconfig.

4. Click OK, and the System Configuration Utility will open.

5. Click the Startup tab.

6. Refer to each startup item on the Library of Answers That Work Web site. Click the letter of the alphabet that correspond to your startup items.

7. Uncheck all unnecessary startup items.

8. Click Apply.

9. Reboot your computer.

Figure 12.33: The System Configuration Utility Startup tab

When your computer reboots, a message will inform you that you have booted using Selective Startup. Click the Do Not Display This Message Again check box.