System Configuration Startup question

Received my new pc several days ago and I’m in the process of learning XP, Home Edition. In my old Win98 system I was able to go into the System Configuration Utility Start-Up tab and uncheck anything that I did not want starting at bootup and I never had any problems. With this new system I unchecked just one item and upon bootup received a message that said:

"The system configuration utility is currently running in diagnostic or selective mode causing this message to be displayed when Windows starts up. Choose the normal startup mode on the General tab to start windows normally and undo the changes you made."

What’s this all about? Do I always have to keep all items checked in the startup tab?

Thank you very much.

Acadia

 

Acadia,

I started using XP Home about 1.5 yrs ago & startups were a major issue. Pacman's site - pacs-portal - has a fantastic listing of various processes w/ yes, no or user's choice with regards to startup. The info can be downloaded for quick referral. I use a startup manager (CodeStuff Starter) which allows the user to uncheck a box to remove the process from startup with the option of rechecking the box if you change your mind. I was able to cut my average running processes in half with noticeable improvement in performance.

I would also recommend taking a look at Black Viper's site for information on system services. You might find it useful.

Hope this helps - good luck!

Paul,

Thanks for the tip on Doug Knox's site.

Slim