Which utility helps diagnose system startup?



You’re in the process of troubleshooting a nasty startup problem that happens when the operating system automatically starts applications after login. Which Windows system utility can help troubleshoot system startup details, including individually enabling and disabling every startup application?

A) Performance Monitor

B) System Configuration

C) Task Manager

D) Computer Management

E) Sledge Hammer


The answer: B) System Configuration

System Configuration, known also as msconfig, is one of the most useful startup diagnostic tools in Windows. If you’re trying to manage startup applications, an entire tab of the System Configuration tool is dedicated to managing this somewhat difficult process. In many cases, you’ll find things in your startup list that you never knew were there!

Want to know more? Watch “Diagnostic Utilities and Tools.”

There are numerous utilities that can assist with the diagnosing of problems in the Windows operating system. In this video, we’ll work with the Task Manager, Device Manager, Event Viewer, MSCONFIG utility, Remote Desktop, System File Checker, Registry Editor, and demonstrate the features of the Computer Management console.