Speed up the Startup process
Although startup times are the result of many variables that differ from one computer to another, the following steps will help you optimize this time. Most commercial applications perform similar actions, therefore, it is wiser to have some knowledge about the startup process and perform the changes yourself, as you are in the best position to decide what is essential or not required in your system. Remember, that third party applications are generic and can do unwanted changes!
Startup problems and Msconfig
Msconfig allows you to configure startup parameters such as, disabling applications from starting and hence, can estimate if the startup time has improved or not as to identify problematic applications! This tool is specifically designed for troubleshooting and therefore, it allows you to undo any changes. In addition, it reminds you about the changes you have made upon the next restart as to reduce the likelihood of leaving your system into maintenance/troubleshooting mode.
Categories: Boot, Troubleshooting, Utilities Tags: features, msconfig, startup, system configuration, Troubleshooting
Vssadmin and Volume Shadow Copies
This article is intended for Windows advanced users that would like to know more about the Vssadmin command-line tool. With vssadmin you can set and view Volume Shadow Copy parameters from a single location. In addition, the list options in vssadmin are a source of valuable info that is not available elsewhere in the Windows GUI. I have prepared a small application called Volume Shadow Copy Info that displays the basic stuff. Remember to run this utility with elevated administrator privileges.
Categories: Troubleshooting, Utilities Tags: shadow, shadow copies, Volume Shadow Copy, vssadmin
Booting from the system repair disc
- Insert the system repair disc into your CD/DVD-ROM drive
- Restart your computer
- If prompted, press any key to start the computer from the system repair disc
- Make sure that your computer is configured to start from a CD or DVD – check the computer’s BIOS settings.
- Choose your language settings, and then click Next
Categories: Troubleshooting, Windows Recovery Tags: CD, disc, DVD, recovery, system repair, system repair disc
System Repair Disc
You need a system repair disc so that you have access to system recovery options when problems occur. The repair disc contains system recovery tools that help you fix Windows. To create a system repair disc follow these steps:
- From the Control Panel, click Backup your computer under System and Security
- From the Backup and Restore windows click Create a system repair disc
Otherwise, type system repair disc in the Search text box of the Start menu and click the Create a System Repair Disc link - Insert a blank writable CD/DVD in the CD/DVD-ROM drive and click Create Disc from the Create a system repair disc dialog box
You may be prompted to insert a Windows installation disc, which means that the files needed to create the system repair disc cannot be found on your computer. Insert a Windows 7 installation disc.
Categories: Backup & Restore, Troubleshooting, Windows Recovery Tags: create disk, recdisc, repair disc, system repair disc