How to Make Your Computer Start Up Faster: Basic Tutorial

If your computer is taking a while to load its Operating System, here are several basic ways to help speed up the booting process. NOTE: Windows OS only.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic computing knowledge
• Windows XP

1. 
    

   Go to the Start menu, then Run. In this dialog box, type "MSCONFIG", without the quotes.

2. 
    

   From this window, go to the "Startup" tab. This lists most applications that load automatically along with the Operating System (when you first boot up your PC.)

3. 
    

   Uncheck all unnecessary items to stop them from loading during the startup process of your Windows session. If you are unsure what any particular item does, do not disable it until you have done further research on it. Some of the applications listed are important, such as your anti virus program.

4. 
    

   When finished, click "OK" or "Apply". You will be asked to restart your computer. If you can, do so in order to apply any changes made.

5. 
    

   There is yet a more basic way to disable some startup items. From the Start menu, go to Programs>Startup. This folder contains some startup applications as well. Simply right-click any of these, then click "Delete."
   
   However, for a complete list of applications, visit MSCONFIG as stated above.

Tips & Warnings

• one can also disable unwanted services and processes by going to the Start menu, Run, and typing "Services.msc." However, this is for the more advanced user. Make sure you have full knowledge of the many services' purpose, for any of these could easily corrupt your system.
• If your computer is still slow, you should consider other alternatives, like the purchase of RAM (Random Access Memory.)

[perk]

on 7/21/2009 Thanks a lot. Highly recommended.

[lildutchgirl56]

on 7/17/2009 I learned something new! Now I can clean up my slow computer. Thanks

[Handmadedreams]

on 6/6/2009 Very useful info. Thanks.

[Blackbear]

on 5/25/2009 Great article Elvis. Now I just have to figure out why my computer lets me leave comments but wont let me send mail to anyone ! ;D

[georgiarealtor]

on 4/20/2008 Thank you for sharing! Have a great day.