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What command do I type in the Run box to bring up the window that tells me what programs to automatically run when the computer starts? Also, I am trying to burn CDs and it says the drive is busy when I am not doing anything. Ideas?

Managing Startup Items

In order to manage the startup items via the Run box, you simply enter in the command msconfig and then click the OK button. This loads the MSConfig utility where you can then click the Startup Items tab and make your adjustments.

Windows Vista users can access MSConfig by typing msconfig into the Start button’s Search bar and pressing Enter. Once the MSConfig icon appears, click it and the MSConfig utility will launch.

Another tool for managing startup programs is Windows Defender which comes with both Windows XP and Vista. Simply launch Windows Defender and click the Tools link. Next, click Software Explorer where you can view and adjust your startup programs. This tool is easier to use as it classifies and groups each program, making it easier to determine if a program is necessary or not.

Drive Busy Error

Now, on to the “drive busy” error. Do you use the drive to run backups? If so, it may be busy performing a scheduled backup, though I have a hunch that’s not the case.

In researching drive busy errors, I found that some CD burners and programs have known “drive busy” problems which are generally solved by updating the device and/or its software. In addition, some users receive a message that the drive is busy and should be unmounted. First, try updating your operating system (which may in turn automatically update your hardware if updates are available) and then check for updates for your CD burning software.

If operating system and software updates don’t help, go to the Control Panel and find the Device Manager. From there, double-click the DVD/CD-ROM category and then double-click your drive. What does it say under Device Status? Is there a specific error code? If so, we can then research the specific code for further ideas. In the meantime, you can click the Driver tab followed by the Update Driver button and then let Windows search automatically for updated drivers.  

Hopefully one of the updates will fix your drive busy error. If not, let us know the following:

• Operating system
• CD drive model and version (Device Manager has this information)
• Specific error code if any
• CD burning software and version

I went in to msconfig and tried to stop all my startup programs, but on accident I stopped all of the services and now my wireless internet will not work and my computer has a Windows 2000 look instead of XP. How do I fix it back the way it was I cannot system restore because my computer hasn’t set dates for it.

MSCONFIG is a really useful utility that will help you troubleshoot the Windows startup process and can often help you isolate where any problems are occurring. Many users hide some of the systems when they are trying to fix a problem with your system. It not only modifies the programs that run at startup, it will also simplify controls over Windows services and will edit some configuration files.

Fixing the Windows 2000 “Look”

As you found out, the “Disable All” button is frustratingly easy to press, thereby stopping everything from running. Your computer is looking like Windows 2000 because that is one of the options that Microsoft offered when Windows XP came out - many users preferred the old look, so they allowed that as an option. It isn’t actually Windows 2000, it is still XP, but it looks like the old version. Even though it seems that you did this using MSCONFIG, the usual fix for this is on the desktop, so give it a try. Find a blank spot on the desktop and right click on it. Now choose Properties and then find the Appearances tab. From here, you can select the XP buttons and color scheme that you want.

MSCONFIG

In order to fix your startup items and services, I recommend going back the way you came. Go to Start and then Run and type in msconfig again. Click on the Services tab and see if you can choose Enable All (you can also click on them individually if you want to keep some disabled). While you’re here, go into the Start Up tab and you can individually select what you want to run at startup.

This is the most straightforward way I know of to restart the services on your computer. If, after reconfiguring the desktop back to XP and working your way back through MSCONFIG you are still having a problem, let us know exactly what you are seeing and we can try to help you further.