Make msconfig changes stick 3

[suncity]

1) I uncheck unwanted prgms in msconfig startup so they will not load. I restart to apply changes (so I hope).
System restarts and System Config Utility splash screen gives me ONE option: Press Continue to UNDO all msconfig changes made. Bummer! I want to restart WITH my changes in effect.
How to make changes to msconfig startup so they stick, please?

2) Adding a HDD as secondary drive which has a version of XP on it. I suspect I will get "dual boot" screen. What must be done to secondary drive with XP on it so that dual boot option is not offered to user during startup? I simply want to boot from the usual primary C: drive, with Drive D: just another data space transparent to user. Is format D: the only option (thereby destroying data)?

1) Thanks. 2)Thanks.

 

[linney]

System restarts and System Config Utility splash screen gives me ONE option: Press Continue to UNDO all msconfig changes made."

This sounds a bit unusual for MsConfig, what software are you describing? The usual message you should see from MsConfig is one telling you that you are in Diagnostic or Selective Mode and the only available option is a box to tick to not display this message again?

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Type the following at a Command Prompt -
bootcfg /delete /?

Or edit the Boot.ini file -

HOW TO: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP (Q289022)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q289/0/22.asp

 

[suncity]

You are exactly right: I am in Diagnostic mode. There is no option to accept my changes and proceed in Normal mode (that I can see). If I proceed in Normal mode, all my changes are UNDONE. I'd like to proceed in Normal mode, but WITH my changes in effect.
When I go back into msconfig, all startup prgms are listed with the unchecked ones still unchecked. I want unchecked ones GONE.
Sorry my question was not clear.

 

[linney]

This is by design, Normal Mode is with every thing checked and loading. Selective Mode is with a few items unchecked.

The only way around this is probably via the Registry.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg

 

[suncity]

Ouch! I was afraid you'd say that. Registry is where I fear to tread. But will give it a shot after backup.

I just thought that list of prgms in startup originated from somewhere, sounds like "the registry" to me. Yuk.

In the process of working on this, I lost Ctl-Alt-Del to access the TaskMgr... which IS in System32 folder. Am running virus check now since that may be cause since TaskMgr.exe does exist.

Any other ideas of why Ctl-Alt-Del may not function from the desktop?

OH! Thanks for the Boot.ini info btw. I'll just knock out Boot#2.

 

[s0121]

without seeing your msconfig & what all you unchecked it would be rather hard to tell you why tskman is not there...
recommend that you go back to msconfig turn all back on then see if tskman works... there are several 3rd party programs that will turnoff any individual part of the msconfig.. so that when you have it working correctly you can delete & then when you restart you can return to NORMAL.
using 3d party software is a lot easier than trying to work you thru the "REGEDIT"...

Frank Smith irc.dhcnetwork.com

SomeWhere in Kansas Near Dodge City

 

[suncity]

taskmgr.exe does exist where it should: system32 folder.
Just can't get to it via Ctl-Alt-Del as I usually do, that's all.
From Run / taskmgr, I get "taskmgr being used other prgm".

Frankly, I don't think the unsticky startup prgm list and Ctl-Alt-Del issue are even related. But suspicious, since trying to avoid loading defunct printer drivers, etc in msconfig startup happened at same time as Ctl-Alt-Del issue occurred -- just bad timing maybe.
But time will tell.

Would a WinXP repair be appropriate now? Both virus scan and MS Spybot come up clean. I suspected a virus caused Ctl-Alt-Del problem.

 

[wolluf]

A repair reinstall might be a good idea -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

(doing repair with SP2 install disk also good idea - you can create one if yours is SP1 or earlier, eg

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/winxp-sp2-bootcd.html

Couple of resonable apps for editing startup programs:-

http://www.lpacomputers.telinco.co.uk/SM.zip

(quite old now - but still good)

http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

(as s0121 said, there are lots of these)

 

[micker377]

What programs are you trying to "stop" with Msconfig? You may be blocking one (or more), that is necessary for the system to operate.

 

[suncity]

System Mechanic5 Pro edits startup. Will play with that.
Unchecked startups are: qttask (QuickTime), officejet6100 (obsolete), and smartboard32 (obsolete). None are system files. Just dead wood.
Two suspicious startup prgms: p2pnetwork.exe & winupdates - will google them.
Have SP2 CD from Microsoft. Will repair with that using info from your kind reference. Hopefully, that will restore my Ctl-Alt-Del.

Thanks all.

 

[linney]

Clarifying my earlier comment the unchecked items in MsConfig are represented by the values in this Key.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg

If you back up this key (use the Export function)and delete all the values in it which coincide with the empty boxes in MsConfig you will have MsConfig saying Normal Startup.

As to your problem with TaskMgr.exe that sounds like a malware problem which needs fixing. A second opinion may be worthwhile.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Microsoft (GIANT Antispyware) Beta available
Thread779-979113

At the very least you could replace the TaskMgr.exe in the System32 folder with a version from another XP or your XP CD.

The SP2 version of TaskMgr.exe is 5.1.2600.2180 and the size is 132 KB (135,680 bytes)

Why does Task Manager, MSCONFIG, or REGEDIT disappear while opening?

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/ToolsQuit.htm

 

[suncity]

linney, you are right on. I cleaned out startup using SysMechPro5, and can start with Normal mode since the deadwood is gone.
Bonus: I googled p2pnetwork and winupdates... they are malware. Deleted them with SysMechPro5 also.
Now my Ctl-Alt-Del is recovered (Alcan worm?).
Don't know why my paid subscription to McAfee did not catch these buggers !!! MS AntiSpybot missed them too.

ALL ISSUES RESOLVED !!!!

(Let's party!)