INFORMATION SHEET

Microsoft System Configuration

This guide covers Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. Some
methods work in all three versions of Windows, others just in one or two.
For each method, we mention the Windows version in which it works.

1. Open the System Configuration tool by using search (all Windows

versions)

As with most Windows tools, you can start this utility in several ways.

In Windows 10, click

or tap inside the search box
on the taskbar, start typing
"system configuration" or
"msconfig" and then click or
tap the System
Configuration search result.

https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-
system-configuration-windows

Figure 1. Windows 10 search box

In Windows 7, search
for "system configuration"
or "msconfig" in the Start
Menu and then click on its
shortcut.

https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-
start-system-configuration-windows

Figure 2. Windows 7 start menu

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 In Windows 8.1,
switch to the Start Screen
and type "msconfig". When
the search results are
shown, click or tap on
msconfig. Note that, in
Windows 8.1, searching for https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-
"system configuration" system-configuration-windows
yields no results.
Figure 3. Windows 8.1 start screen

2. Open the System Configuration tool by using the Start Menu

(Windows 10 only)

Unlike Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, Windows 10 also includes a

shortcut for System Configuration in the Start Menu. Open the Start Menu
and scroll down to the Windows Administrative Tools. In this folder, click or
tap the System Configuration shortcut.

https://

www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-windows
Figure 4. Windows 10 start menu

3. Open the System Configuration tool by using the Run window (all
Windows versions)
Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to
launch it, type "msconfig", and then press Enter or click/tap on OK. The
System Configuration tool should open immediately.

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 https://
www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-windows
Figure 5. Run window

4. Open the System Configuration tool by creating a shortcut (all Windows

versions)

Regardless of the Windows version you use, you can create a shortcut to the
System Configuration tool. The shortcut can be placed anywhere you want, like on
your desktop or in a shortcuts folder, for example. When creating the shortcut, use
the term msconfig as the target location.
https://

www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-windows
Figure 6. Create Shortcut window

5. Open the System Configuration tool by using the Command Prompt

or PowerShell (all Windows versions)

The System Configuration tool can also start from the Command Prompt or
PowerShell. All you must do is launch any of them, type msconfig, and then
press Enter on your keyboard.

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 https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-
windows
Figure 7. Command Prompt or PowerShell

6. Open the System Configuration tool by using the Task Manager (all
Windows versions)

You can also open the System Configuration tool using the Task
Manager. Simultaneously press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch the
Task Manager. If you are using a Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 device, and
the Task Manager opens up in compact mode, click or tap on "More details."
Then, open the File menu, click or tap on "Run new task," and type the
command msconfig in the "Create new task" window. Finally, press Enter on
your keyboard or click or tap OK.

https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-windows
Figure 8. Task Manager

7. Open the System Configuration tool by using the shortcut from our
collection (all Windows versions)
We assembled an extensive collection of shortcuts for Windows. You
can download or extract it and you can bring it to System Configuration
shortcut in the Administration Tools subfolder for your reference.

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https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-windows
Figure 9. Shortcut icon

8. Open the System Configuration tool by using its executable file (all
Windows versions)

In all Windows versions, the System Configuration tool is actually an

executable file called msconfig.exe, which is found in the "C:\Windows\
System32" folder. If you want, you can open the tool by double-clicking or
double-tapping on this executable file.

https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system-configuration-windows

Figure 10. System Configuration tool

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 TASK SHEET 1

A. Directions: Arrange the following steps in opening Microsoft System

Configuration by putting a number before the blank.

______. Click on Start Button

______. In the Run window, type msconfig, and press Enter.
______. In the Search Box, type Run

B. Directions: Answer the following question briefly.

1. What is the easiest way to execute System Configuration?

2. Make a comparison on how to open System Configuration in Window 7,

Windows 8.1 and Windows 10?

C. Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. How to open system configuration of window 7 using search box?

a. click or tap inside the search box on the taskbar
b. switch to the Start Screen and start typing in the search box
c. Start Menu and start typing in the search box then click on its
shortcut
d. Open the Start Menu and scroll down to the Windows Administrative
Tools

2. What is the file address of msconfig if you wish to open the System
Configuration tool by using its executable file?
a. "C:\Windows\System32”
b. "C:\Windows\Drive”
c. "C:\Windows\System”
d. "C:\Windows\Setup”

3. How to open system configuration tool by using the Task Manager

shortcut keys?
a. Alt + F4
b. CTRL + ENTER
c. Ctrl + Alt + Esc
d. Ctrl + Shift + Esc

4. Which Windows includes a shortcut for System Configuration in the Start

Menu?
a. Windows XP
b. Windows 7
c. Windows 8.1
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 d. Windows 10

5. What is the step to open the System Configuration tool by using the Run
window?
a. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to
launch it, type "msconfig", and then press Enter or click/tap on OK
b. Simultaneously press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch the Run
window.
c. In the search box on the taskbar, start typing "system configuration"
or "msconfig" and then click or tap the System Configuration search
result
launch Command Prompt or PowerShell, type msconfig, and then press
Enter on your keyboard.

ACTIVITY 1

Directions: Watch a video tutorial about System Configuration. You may

type the link or scan the QR code.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGhCUJmtDR4

7
 Accessing and using Registry Editor

How to Open Regedit

A. Using the "Run" Box

1. Click the Start menu and select

"Run". You can also press ⊞
Win + R in any version. If you
can't open the Start menu, see
the next section.
 Windows 8 - Open the
Start screen and type
run, or find Run in the
All Apps list.
 Windows 8.1 - Right-
click the Start button
and select "Run".
Windows 10 - Right-click on the Start button
logo and select "Run". https://www.wikihow.com/Open-Regedit
Figure 11. Start menu

2. Type regedit into the Run box

and press ↵ Enter. This will start
the Registry Editor. Depending on
your computer's security settings,
you may be prompted to confirm
that you want to start the Registry
Editor. You can also type this into
the Start search feature. Access
to the Registry Editor requires
administrator permissions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Open-Regedit
Figure 12. Run Window

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 1. Navigate through the
registry entries. Use the
menu on the left side of the
Registry Editor to find the
keys you need. Many folders
will contain multiple levels
of subfolders. Keys in each
folder will be displayed in
the right frame.

2. Edit a key by double-

clicking it. When you
double-click a key in the
right frame, a window will
appear allowing you to edit
the values. You should only
edit keys if you know what
you are doing or are
following qualified
instruction. Modifying keys
will change how your
system runs, and could
cause Windows to
malfunction

B. Using the Command Prompt

1. Open the Command

Prompt. There are several
ways that you can open
the Command Prompt,
which allows you to open
it if something is
preventing you from using
one way:
 Click the Start menu
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-
9
 and select Command Regedit
Prompt. If you're using Figure 15. Start menu
Windows 8.1, right-
click the Start button
and select Command
Prompt. If you're using
Windows 8, you can
find the Command
Prompt in the All Apps
list on the Start screen.
 Press ⊞ Win+R, type
cmd, and press ↵
Enter.
 Press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc
to open the Task
Manager. Click the
"File" menu, hold Ctrl,
and click "Run new
task".
2. Type regedit and press ↵
Enter. You can do this
from any location in the
Command Prompt. The
Registry Editor will open
in a separate window. You
may be asked to confirm
that you want to open it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Open-
Regedit
Figure 16. Command Prompt

3. Use the left frame to

navigate through the
registry. The folder tree on
the left will allow you to
find the key that you https://www.wikihow.com/Open-
need. Expand the folders Regedit

10
 to see additional Figure 17. Registry editor
subfolders. Selecting a
folder will display any
keys it contains in the
right frame.

4. Double-click a key to edit it.

When you find a key in the right
frame that you want to edit,
double-click it to open it. Be
careful when making changes,
as changing the wrong thing
can cause Windows to
malfunction.
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-
Regedit
Figure 18. Edit string

11
 TASK SHEET 2

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on a

separate sheet of paper.

1. What will happen if wrong value data is entered in the edit string?
a. There is no effect the windows
b. It create Windows to malfunction
c. The system is ignoring the data
d. The editor will not proceed to any changes

2. How to expand the folders in the Registry Editor?

a. Click “O” to open
b. Click File tab
c. Click windows logo
d. Click the expand arrow

3. Which of the following figure show Run window?

a. c.

b. d.

4. What is the shortcut key to open Run windows, if you wish to access
Registry Editor?
a. ⊞Win + R
b. Ctrl + ⇧Shift + Esc
c. Ctrl + Alt + Esc
d. ⊞Win + P

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5. Which of the following is Registry Editor?

a. c.

b. d.

ACTIVITY 2

Directions: Watch a video tutorial about Registry Editor. You may type the
link or scan the QR code.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmhvRcHbUKQ

13
 Accessing and Using Direct X Diagnostic

Direct X Diagnostic

You can test Microsoft DirectDraw and Direct3D on each monitor

attached to your system. You can also test DirectSound on each wave
output device, and DirectMusic on each music port.

To run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DX Diagnostic Tools Window of

Windows XP differs from Windows 7 but it does the same function):
 Click on Start Button, type Run on the search box.
 On the Run window, Type in dxdiag and click Ok or press Enter, as
shown in Figure 19, Run
Dialog Box.

TLE - ICT- LM - Computer

Hardware Servicing - Grade 10.
1st ed. 2014
Figure 19. Run window

 Next you will see a new window with various tabs.

TLE - ICT- LM - Computer

Hardware Servicing - Grade 10. 1st
ed. 2014
Figure 20. System Tab of DirectX
Diagnostic Tool

The System tab shows information about your computer and displays
the version of DirectX installed on your computer.

The DirectX Files tab shows the file name and the version number for
each DirectX file installed on your computer. It also shows the file names
and the version numbers of other files that are used by games that are
running under DirectX.

The Display tab lists current display settings, and allows to disable
DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture Acceleration. It can also test
DirectDraw and Direct3D from the Display tab which will indicate that the

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DirectX Graphics runtime files are installed and operating correctly. It will
also display your device's available memory and can tell you if your video
driver has passed Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing
standard. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool, however, cannot report memory that
is in use at the time that it starts, and you may see less memory reported
than your video card actually has.

TLE - ICT- LM - Computer Hardware

Servicing - Grade 10. 1st ed. 2014

Figure 21. Display Tab of DirectX

Diagnostic Tool

The Sound tab displays current audio settings and allows to test
DirectSound. It would tell if the audio driver are signed, meaning that it has passed
Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing standard. The Hardware Sound
Acceleration Level slider is used to correct audio glitches that might be caused by
some audio drivers. You can adjust the slider settings and see if it provides better
results in your application. Be sure not to lower it too much or may disable some
audio features of the system. If the tool detects a problem with sound settings, a
warning message will appear in the Notes box.

The Music tab displays current MIDI settings, and allows to test the
DirectMusic component of DirectX. Click on the Test DirectMusic button to perform
the test. If the DirectX Diagnostic Tool detects a problem with DirectMusic, a
warning message will appear in the Notes
box.

TLE - ICT- LM - Computer Hardware

Servicing - Grade 10. 1st ed. 2014
Figure 22. Sound Tab of DirectX
Diagnostic Tool

15
 The Input tab lists the input devices connected to computer such as USB
and PS2 devices. It also displays the input drivers installed on computer. If the
DirectX Diagnostic Tool detects a problem with an input device or an input device
driver, a warning message will appear in the Notes box.

TLE - ICT- LM - Computer

Hardware Servicing - Grade 10.
1st ed. 2014

Figure 20. Input Tab of DirectX

Diagnostic Tool

The Network tab lists the registered DirectPlay Service Providers. These are
the connection methods that DirectPlay will operate across. A registry problem can
normally resolved by reinstalling DirectX. A registry error here can normally be
resolved by removing and reinstalling that application. If the DirectX Diagnostic
Tool detects a problem with a DirectPlay Service Provider or Application, a warning
message will appear in the Notes box.

The More Help tab allows to further troubleshoot problems that the other
tabs could not resolve. Features include the DirectX troubleshooter, sound
troubleshooter, system information tool and the override tool which will override
DirectDraw’s refresh rate.

16
 TASK SHEET 3

A. Directions: Match Column A with Column B. Write the letter of your answer in
a separate paper.
Column A Column B

1. System tab a. USB, PS2, mouse and keyboard

2. Display tab b. Computer information and version of DirectX

installed
3. Sound tab c. DirectPlay Service Providers

4. Network d. Audio setting

5. Input e. DirectDraw, Direct3D and AGP

B. Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. What part of DirectX Diagnostic tool, where you can see information about your
computer and displays the version of DirectX installed on your computer?
a. Input
b. Sound
c. Display
d. System

2. What input devices you will see in Input tab of DirectX Diagnostic tool?
a. Printer
b. Monitor
c. Mouse
d. Speaker

3. Every time you will conduct a test in your different tab of DirectX Diagnostic
tool, a _______ message is displayed in the Notes box.
a. Greetings
b. Warning
c. Danger
d. Restart

4. Which of following will display your device's available memory and can tell you if
your video driver has passed Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs
testing standard.
a. Sound
b. Input
c. Display
d. Network

5. If you intend to open the DirectX diagnostic tool in Run window, what certain
word to type?
a. dxdiag
b. regedit

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 c. msconfig
d. dxtoo

Summary

Quick procedures in Using Computer System Configuration Tools

Accessing and using Microsoft System Configuration

o Click on Start Button
o In the Search Box, type Run
o In the Run window, type msconfig, and press Enter

Accessing and using Regedit:

o Click on Start Button
o In the search box, or Run window, type the following: regedit and then press
Enter.

Accessing and Using Direct X Diagnostic

To run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DX Diagnostic Tools Window of Windows XP
differs from Windows 7 but it does the same function):
o Click on Start Button, type Run on the search box.
o On the Run window, Type in dxdiag and click Ok or press Enter
o •Next you will see a new window with various tabs.

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 Key to Answers

TASK SHEET 1

B. A.
1. c 1 Click on Start Button
2. a __3___ In the Run window, type msconfig, and press
3. d Enter.
4. d
__2___ In the Search Box, type Run
5. a

TASK SHEET 2

A.
1. b
2. d
3. c
4. a
5. a

TASK SHEET 3

A. B.
1. b 1. d
2. e 2. c
3. d 3. b
4. c 4. c
5. a 5. a

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References

Book:
Rosalie P. Lujero, Ronaldo V. Ramilo, Michael Angelo C. Gatchalian. “Technology and Livelihood
Education - Information and Communications Technology Learners Manual - Computer Hardware
Servicing - Grade 10.” 1st ed. 2014

Electronic Resources:
Neagu, Codrut. “8 Ways to Start System Configuration in Windows (all versions).” Digital Citizen. May 10,
2018. https://www.digitalcitizen.life/ways-start-system- configuration-windows
wikiHow. “How to open Regedit.” July 4, 2019. https://www.wikihow.com/Open- Regedit

Video link:
Messer, James. “System Configuration - CompTIA A+ 220-1002 - 1.5.” April 28, 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGhCUJmtDR4

MDTechVideos. “Fix, Clean and Repair Windows 10/8/7 Registry [Tutorial].” November 9, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmhvRcHbUKQ

Prepared: Checked:

HONEY DIANA M. MEJIA ANTONIO S. PARADO

Subject Teacher T.L.E Dept. Head Designate

Verified: Noted:

MARILYN E. MACASIL OFELIA N. ALCOBER, Ph.D.

Head Teacher I School Principal III

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