System Configuration

1. System Configuration (MSConfig):

• MSConfig is an advanced troubleshooting utility designed to diagnose startup issues in

Windows.

• Requires local administrator rights to open.

2. Tabs in System Configuration:

• General: Allows selection of devices and services to load upon boot (Normal, Diagnostic,
or Selective).

• Boot: Defines various boot options for the operating system.

• Services: Lists all services configured for the system, regardless of their state (running or
stopped).

• Startup: Advises using Task Manager for managing startup items. MSConfig is not a
startup management program.

• Tools: Provides a list of various utilities to configure the operating system further.

3. General Tab:

• In the General tab, users can choose the startup mode: Normal, Diagnostic, or Selective.

4. Boot Tab:

• In the Boot tab, various boot options for the operating system can be configured.

5. Services Tab:

• Lists all services configured for the system, whether they are running or stopped.

• Services are special applications that run in the background.

6. Startup Tab:

• Not used for startup management; Microsoft advises using Task Manager for this
purpose.

• Task Manager may not have a Startup tab in certain instances.

7. Tools Tab:

• Lists various utilities/tools that can be used to configure the operating system further.

• Each tool has a brief description in the Selected command section.

• Tools can be run via the run prompt, command prompt, or by clicking the Launch button.

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Note: MSConfig is primarily focused on diagnosing startup issues, and for managing startup items,
Microsoft recommends using Task Manager rather than the System Configuration utility. The Tools tab
provides additional utilities for advanced system configuration.

Here's a general guide on how to change UAC settings using the slider:
1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.

3. In the System Configuration window, go to the "Tools" tab.

4. Scroll down and find "Change UAC Settings."

5. Click on "Change UAC Settings" to open the User Account Control Settings window.

Within the User Account Control Settings window:

• You will typically see a slider with different levels.

• Moving the slider up or down adjusts the UAC settings.

• Microsoft's recommended setting is often in the middle or higher for security reasons.

Keep in mind that turning off UAC entirely is not recommended unless you have a specific reason to do
so. UAC provides an additional layer of security by prompting for confirmation before allowing changes
that require elevated permissions.

After adjusting the slider, you might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Computer Management (compmgmt) Utility:

1. System Tools:

• Task Scheduler: Allows the creation and management of tasks that run automatically at
specified times, during log in or log off, or on a specific schedule.

• Event Viewer: Provides a view of events on the computer, categorized into different
logs. Event types include Information, Warning, Error, Success Audit, and Failure Audit.

• Shared Folders: Displays a list of shared folders on the system, including default shares
like C$ and ADMIN$. Shows connected users, open files, and permissions.

• Local Users and Groups: Accessible through lusrmgr.msc, allows management of local
users and groups.

• Performance Monitor (perfmon): Views performance data in real-time or from a log file,
useful for troubleshooting performance issues.

• Device Manager: Allows viewing and configuration of hardware, including disabling

attached hardware.

2. Storage:

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 • Disk Management: Enables advanced storage tasks such as setting up a new drive,
extending or shrinking partitions, and managing drive letters.

3. Services and Applications:

• Services: Manages services running in the background. Allows enabling, disabling, and
viewing properties for each service.

• WMI Control: Configures and controls the Windows Management Instrumentation

(WMI) service, enabling scripting languages to manage Windows computers locally and
remotely.

Note: The availability of utilities may vary between Windows Server and Windows 10, and certain tools
like WMIC are deprecated in newer Windows versions. Always refer to the specific documentation for
the operating system version in use.

System Information
The System Information (msinfo32) tool is a built-in Windows utility designed to gather comprehensive
information about your computer's hardware, system components, and software environment. It
provides a detailed view of your system's specifications, aiding in diagnosing computer issues. Here's an
overview of the main sections within System Information:

1. System Summary:

• General technical specifications such as the processor brand and model.

• Divided into three sections: Hardware Resources, Components, and Software

Environment.

2. Hardware Resources:

• Contains detailed information not typically needed by average users.

• Provides technical details about hardware resources. More information can be found on
the official Microsoft page.

3. Components:

• Displays specific information about hardware devices installed on the computer.

• Sections may include Display, Input, and others, showing relevant details.

4. Software Environment:

• Provides information about both built-in and installed software.

• Includes details like Environment Variables and Network Connections.

Environment Variables:

• Stores information about the operating system environment, such as the OS path,
number of processors, and location of temporary folders.

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 • Used by the operating system and programs to determine system configurations.

Viewing Environment Variables:

• Accessible through System Information or Control Panel > System and Security > System
> Advanced system settings > Environment Variables.

Search Functionality:

• System Information features a search bar at the bottom.

• Users can search for specific components or information within the tool.

Task:

• Using the search bar, you're instructed to select the "Components" section and search for "IP
address" to locate relevant information.

The System Information tool proves useful for both basic users and advanced users seeking in-depth
details about their system's configuration.

Resource Monitor (resmon):

Definition: Resource Monitor is a Windows utility (resmon) designed for advanced users to display per-
process and aggregate information regarding CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. It provides details
about processes utilizing individual file handles and modules. The tool allows for advanced
troubleshooting, process analysis, and the identification of issues like deadlocked processes and file
locking conflicts.

Overview Tab: Resource Monitor's Overview tab is divided into four sections corresponding to CPU, Disk,
Network, and Memory.

1. CPU Tab:

• Displays detailed information about CPU usage.

• Allows users to identify processes consuming CPU resources.

• Advanced filtering options for isolating data related to specific processes.

2. Memory Tab:

• Provides insights into memory usage, including processes and their memory
consumption.

• Helps identify memory-intensive processes and potential issues.

3. Disk Tab:

• Focuses on disk activity, showing processes and their impact on disk usage.

• Useful for identifying read and write operations and potential bottlenecks.

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 4. Network Tab:

• Displays information about network activity, including processes using network

resources.

• Helps identify network-intensive processes and their impact on the system.

Graphical View:

• Resource Monitor features a graphical view pane on the far right.

• Provides real-time graphical representation for each section (CPU, Disk, Network, Memory).

Note:

• The information displayed in Resource Monitor is specific to each user and may vary.

• The tool is particularly valuable for users performing advanced troubleshooting and system
analysis.

• Resource Monitor allows users to start, stop, pause, and resume services, and close
unresponsive applications directly from the interface.

Resource Monitor is a powerful utility for diagnosing and resolving system-related issues, making it a
valuable tool for system administrators and advanced users.

Command Prompt (cmd) Basics:

Introduction: The command prompt, or cmd, provides a text-based interface to interact with the
operating system. While graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are now the primary means of interaction, the
command prompt remains a powerful tool for advanced users and troubleshooting.

Basic Commands:

1. hostname:

• Outputs the computer name.

• Command: hostname

2. whoami:

• Outputs the name of the logged-in user.

• Command: whoami

Troubleshooting Commands:

1. ipconfig:

• Shows network address settings for the computer.

• Command: ipconfig

• Additional options: /? for help manual.

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Example: ipconfig /?

2. netstat:

• Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP network connections.

• Command: netstat

• Additional options: -a, -b, -e, etc.

Example: netstat -a

3. net:

• Manages network resources, supporting sub-commands.

• Command: net

• Additional options: help for sub-command help.

Example: net help

Sub-commands: user, localgroup, use, share, session, etc.

Example: net help user

Note:

• To clear the command prompt screen, use the command: cls.

• Each command has a help manual accessible using /? or help.

• The net command requires a different syntax for help: net help.

Additional Resources:

• Refer to a comprehensive list of commands here.

Understanding these basic commands allows users to retrieve information about the system and
troubleshoot common issues using the command prompt. Advanced users often find the command
prompt invaluable for certain tasks and configurations.

Registry Editor (regedit):

Introduction: The Registry Editor, regedit, is a powerful tool that provides access to the Windows
Registry. The Windows Registry is a central hierarchical database used to store crucial configuration
information for users, applications, and hardware devices.

Key Functions of the Registry: The registry contains information that Windows continuously references
during its operation. Some key aspects stored in the registry include:

• User profiles

• Installed applications and associated document types

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 • Property sheet settings for folders and application icons

• Hardware configurations

• In-use ports and system configurations

Warning: The Windows Registry is intended for advanced computer users. Making changes to the
registry can impact normal computer operations and stability. It's crucial to exercise caution when using
the Registry Editor.

Accessing the Registry Editor: One way to open the Registry Editor is through the System Configuration
panel:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type regedit and press Enter.

Important Notes:

1. Always create a backup before making changes to the registry.

2. Changes to the registry can affect system stability and functionality.

3. Be cautious and make changes only if you understand the potential consequences.

Additional Resources:

• Microsoft provides documentation on the Windows Registry here.

Usage Tips:

• Navigate through the registry using the tree-like structure on the left.

• Each item in the registry is called a key, and it can contain values and subkeys.

• Common sections include HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_CURRENT_USER,

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, etc.

Understanding the Windows Registry and using the Registry Editor is valuable for advanced users who
need to configure and troubleshoot system settings.