I

Methods to configure Windows XP to start by using a clean boot

Before you start

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to configure Windows
XP to start by using a clean boot.

Manual steps to perform a clean boot in Windows XP

Step 1: Start the System Configuration Utility

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.
The System Configuration Utility dialog box appears.
Step 2: Configure selective startup options

1. In the System Configuration Utility dialog box, click the General tab, and then click Selective
Startup.
2. Click to clear the Process SYSTEM.INI File check box.
3. Click to clear the Process WIN.INI File check box.
4. Click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.
5. Click the Services tab.
6. Click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box.
7. Click Disable All, and then click OK..
8. When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.
Step 3: Log on to Windows

1. Log on to Windows.
2. When you receive the following message, click to select the Don't show this message or launch
the System Configuration Utility when Windows start check box, and then click OK:
You have used the System Configuration Utility to make changes to the way Windows starts.
The System Configuration Utility is currently in Diagnostic or Selective Startup mode, causing this
message to be displayed and the utility to run every time Windows starts.
Choose the Normal Startup mode on the General tab to start Windows normally and undo the
changes you made using the System Configuration Utility.
Step 4: Optional step to disable features

This step temporarily disables Microsoft features such as Plug and Play, networking, event logging, and error
reporting. Also, this step permanently removes the restore points from the computer. The System Restore
feature uses restore points to restore your computer to an earlier state. If you remove the restore points,
you can no longer restore Windows to an earlier state.
1.

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

The System Configuration Utility dialog box appears.

2. Click the General tab, click to clear the Load System Services check box, and then click
OK.
3. When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state

1.

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

The System Configuration Utility dialog box appears.

2. Click the General tab, click Normal Startup - load all device drivers and services, and then click
OK.
3. When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

II

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in

Windows XP

Many issues that you may experience on a Windows XP-based computer occur because of an incompatible or
corrupted program. To determine whether this is the case, you can either perform a clean boot or restart
Windows without starting the program in question.
Clean-boot troubleshooting is designed to isolate a performance problem. To perform clean-boot
troubleshooting, you must take a number of actions, and then restart the computer after each action (to test
whether the action resolved the problem).

How to restart in Safe mode or in Safe mode with networking support

To troubleshoot potential environmental issues, first restart your computer in Safe mode or in Safe mode
with networking support. If the issue is with a program that does not depend on network connectivity, Safe
mode is appropriate. If the issue is with a network program, and you are using a network adapter to connect
to a network, Safe mode with networking support may permit you to test the networking program, including
browser issues.
Note You cannot use Safe mode with networking support when you use a modem or a PC Card connection
to a network because modem drivers and PC Card drivers do not load in Safe mode or in Safe mode with
networking support.
If you start the computer in Safe mode or in Safe mode with networking support, and you can perform an
operation that you previously experienced problems with, the issue is most likely environmental.
Note In Windows XP, you can perform a clean-boot by using the System Configuration Utility
(Msconfig.exe).
Note You may not be able to test some operations in Safe mode because not all services and devices load in
Safe mode or in Safe mode with networking support. For example, you cannot test multimedia issues that
involve sound, nor can you test suspend or hibernation issues in Safe mode.
If you start the computer in Safe mode or in Safe mode with networking support, and the issue still occurs,
an environmental issue may still be the cause. Many function or filter drivers that third-party software
installs may continue to load in Safe mode. Therefore, you may have to take an additional step to test and
remove third-party drivers in Safe mode.
To start the computer in Safe mode, follow these steps:
1. Print these instructions before you go to step 2. They will not be available after you shut down the
computer in step 2.

2. Restart your computer.

3. Use the F8 key. On a computer that is configured to start to multiple operating systems, you can
press F8 when you see the Startup menu.
4. Use the arrow keys to select a Safe mode option, and then press ENTER.
Note NUM LOCK functionality must be turned off for the arrow keys on the numeric keypad to work.
5. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot system, use the arrow keys to select the installation that you
want to access, and then press ENTER.
In Safe mode, you have access to only basic files and drivers (such as mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass
storage, base video, default system services, and no network connections). You can select from the following
options:

The Safe Mode with Networking option loads all these files and drivers and the services and drivers
necessary to start networking.

The Safe Mode with Command Prompt option is the same as Safe mode except that a command
prompt starts instead of the graphical user interface (GUI).

The Last Known Good Configuration option starts your computer by using the registry information
that was saved the last time that your computer shut down.

Safe mode helps you diagnose problems. If a symptom does not reappear when you start in Safe mode, you
can rule out the default settings and minimum device drivers as possible causes. If a newly added device or
a changed driver is causing problems, you can use Safe mode to remove the device or reverse the change.
There are circumstances where Safe mode cannot help you. For example, Safe mode cannot help you when
Windows system files that are required to start the computer are corrupted or damaged. In this case, the
Recovery Console may help you.
The first technique is generally better at determining the cause of an issue, but you may not be able to
determine which drivers are related. After you determine which driver is causing the issue, you can either
remove the driver or program, disable the driver, or turn off service.
To turn off a service, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2.

Type %systemroot%\system32\services.msc /s, and then click OK.

3. Double-click the service, click Disabled in the Startup Type list, and then click
OK.
4. Restart your computer.
Search for drivers or other program updates, or replace the software or driver with a program or driver that
is written specifically for Windows XP.
To disable a driver, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2.

Type %systemroot%\system32\compmgmt.msc /s, and then click OK.

3. Click Device Manager.

4. Double-click the device, click Do not use this device (disable) in the Device Usage list, and then
click OK.
5. Search for an updated driver for the device from the vendor.

How to remove programs

If none of these methods resolve your issue, use the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel to start
removing programs. Restart your computer, and then test after each removal.
If these steps still do not resolve your issue, contact Microsoft Product Support Services, or reinstall the
operating system and your programs.

III

How to troubleshoot configuration errors by using the System

Configuration utility in Windows XP

When you use the System Configuration utility, you can easily reset or change the configuration settings in
Windows to include preferences for the following files and settings:

The System.ini file

The Win.ini file
The Boot.ini file
Programs that are set to load during the startup process (these programs are specified in the Startup
folder and in the registry)

Environment settings
International settings
There are two methods for troubleshooting configuration issues by using the System Configuration utility.
Read each method carefully to understand the consequences of each method.

Method 1: Diagnostic and Selection startup modes

Diagnostic startup
Diagnostic startup enables Windows to determine the basic device drivers and software to load when you
start Windows. When you use this method, the system temporarily disables Microsoft services such as
Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, and Error Reporting. Also, you permanently delete all restore
points for the System Restore utility.
Note Do not use this method if you want to save your restore points for System Restore or if you must use
a Microsoft service to test a problem.
To perform a diagnostic startup, follow these steps:
1.

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

2. On the General tab, click Diagnostic Startup, and then click

OK.
3. Restart your computer.
If the problem does not occur, use Selective startup mode to try to find the problem by turning individual
services and startup programs on or off.

Selective startup
Selective startup enables you to select the files and the settings that you want the computer to load when
you restart the computer. Select from the following options:

Process System.ini
File

Process Win.ini file

Load System Services
Load Startup Items
By default, no options are selected. The following actions apply to these options:

When you select the check box, the configuration file is processed when you restart the computer.
When you clear the check box, the configuration file is not processed when you restart the computer.
When the check box is selected, and you cannot select the check box because it appears dimmed,
some items are still loading from that configuration file when you restart the computer.

When the check box is not selected, and you cannot select the check box because it appears dimmed,
the configuration file is not present on the computer.

You cannot change the Use Original BOOT.INI option button.

Note When you clear the Load System Services check box, you disable Microsoft services such as
Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, and Error Reporting. You also permanently delete all restore
points for the System Restore utility. Do not clear this check box if you want to keep your restore points for
System Restore, or if you have to use a Microsoft service to test a problem.
To perform a selective startup, follow these steps:
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click
1. OK.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

On the General tab, click Selective Startup.

Select or clear the available settings.
Click OK.
Restart your computer.
Repeat steps 1 through 5 until you find the problem.

Change individual file settings

If you know the different settings in each configuration file, you can enable or disable individual settings in
the file that has the tab for that file in the System Configuration utility. To prevent individual items in a
configuration file from loading when you restart your computer, follow these steps:
1.

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

2. Click a tab: System.ini, Win.ini, Boot.ini, Services, or

Startup.
3. Select or clear the available settings.
4. Click OK.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until you find the problem.
System.ini and Win.ini options

The SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI tabs in the System Configuration utility have the following options:

Check boxes enable you to enable or to disable an option. To enable an option so that it loads at

startup, select the check box or select the option, and then click the Select button. To disable an
option so that it does not load at startup, clear the check box or select the option, and then click the
Disable button.

Move Up and Move Down buttons enable you to move through the different options when you do not
have a mouse.

The New button enables you to create a new entry in the System.ini or in the Win.ini file. Click the
button, and type your entry.

The Edit button enables you to edit an existing line in the System.ini or in the Win.ini file. Click the
button, and edit the line.

When a check box is unavailable on the SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI tabs, the System Configuration utility
temporarily removed the lines.
Note When you click to clear a check box for an item or a line, the Selective Startup option on the
General tab is automatically selected.
Manually extract a file

If you have to fix a corrupted file, extract the individual Windows file from the CAB files. To do this, follow
these steps:
1.

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

2. On the General tab, click Expand File.

3. In the File to restore box, type the name of the file that you want to restore.
4. In the Restore from box, type the path of the Windows XP .cab file from which you want to restore
the file. Or, click Browse From to locate the Windows XP .cab file.
Note The Windows XP .cab files are stored in the I386 folder on the Windows XP installation CD.
5. In the Save file in box, type the path of the folder to which you want to extract the new file. Or, click
Browse To to locate the folder that you want.
6. Click Expand.
7. In the System Configuration Utility dialog box, click OK. If you are prompted to restart the
computer, click Restart.
Return to normal startup

After you complete your troubleshooting and fix your configuration, return to a normal startup. Follow these
steps:
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click
1. OK.
2. On the General tab, click Normal startup.

3. Click OK.
4. Restart your computer.

Method 2: System restore

You can use the System Configuration utility to perform a system restore. There are three possible restore
points:

System checkpoints that Windows schedules

Manual restore points that you specify with the System Configuration utility
Installation restore points that occur before you install a program or a
service

You can use the system checkpoints or the installation restore points to restore your computer's settings to
a date when it operated correctly. This may also help determine the cause of the configuration error.
To perform a system restore, follow these steps:
1.

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

2. On the General tab, click Launch System Restore.

3. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next.
4. Calendar dates in bold are possible restore points. Click the most recent one to view system restore
information.
5. Select a system checkpoint or an installation restore point, and then click Next.
6. Close all other programs.
7. To start the system restore, click Next.
8. Your computer restarts.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 until you fix your configuration issue.

IV

How to restore the operating system to a previous state in

Windows XP

How to use System Restore to restore Windows XP

If Windows XP does not start
Windows XP includes the System Restore tool, but you cannot start the System Restore tool from a Recovery
Console prompt. Therefore, you may want to start the System Restore tool when you cannot start your
Windows XP-based computer normally or in Safe mode.

Start the System Restore tool at a command prompt

1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe
Mode with a command prompt.
2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator
credentials.
3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.

If Windows XP starts
1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is
not already selected), and then click Next.
4. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list,
click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists
configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
5. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous
Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
6. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
7. Click OK.

Troubleshooting
You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want. To undo the
restoration:
1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A
System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
Click OK.
4. On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows
XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
5. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
6. Click OK.

Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager

To start Device Manager:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click

System.
3. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.

Troubleshooting Information
If there is a problem with a device, it is listed in the hardware tree. Also, the problem device has a
symbol that indicates the type of problem:

A black exclamation point (!) on a yellow field indicates the device is in a problem state. Note that
a device that is in a problem state can be functioning.

A problem code explaining the problem is displayed for the device.

A red "X" indicates a disabled device. A disabled device is a device that is physically present in the
computer and is consuming resources, but does not have a protected-mode driver loaded.

A blue "i" on a white field on a device resource in Computer properties indicates that the Use

automatic settings feature is not selected for the device and that the resource was manually
selected. Note that this does not indicate a problem or disabled state.

A green question mark "?" in Device Manager means that a compatible driver for this device is

installed, indicating the possibility that all of the functionality may not be available. Note that this
applies only to Windows Millennium Edition (Me).

NOTE: Some sound cards and video adapters do not report all of the resources that they use to
Windows. This can cause Device Manager to show only one device in conflict, or no conflicts at all. This
can be verified by disabling the sound card, or by using the standard VGA video driver to see if the
conflict is resolved. Note that this is a known problem with S3 video adapters and 16-bit Sound Blaster
sound cards, or those sound cards that are using Sound Blaster emulation for Sound Blaster
compatibility.

When you double click a specific device in Device Manager, you see a property sheet. The property
sheet has a General tab.

NOTE: Some devices may have other tabs besides the General tab. Not all property sheets have the
same tabs; some devices may have a Resources tab, Driver tab, and Settings tab, or some
combination of these.
At the top of the property sheet, there is a description of the device. When you click the Resources
tab, the window in the middle of the tab indicates which resource types are available for the selected
device.
The list box at the bottom contains a Conflicting device list. This list indicates a conflict with an
error code.

Note the Use automatic settings check box. If Windows successfully detects a device, this check box
is selected, and the device should function correctly. However, if the resource settings are based on
Basic Configuration <n> (where <n> is any number from 0 to 9), it may be necessary to change the
configuration by selecting a different basic configuration from the list. If the particular configuration
you want for the device is not listed as a basic configuration, it may be possible to click the Change
Setting button to manually adjust the resource values.

For example, to edit the Input/Output Range setting:

1. Click the Use automatic settings check box to clear
it.
2. Click Change Setting.
3. Click the appropriate I/O range for the device.