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Question

XP System Configuration Utility

Dec 5, 2012 3:28AM PST

I am running XP - Service Pack 3

StartUp Menu was slow loading so I went to MSCONFG (SYSTEM CONFIGURATION UTILITY). I noticed that the General Tab was set to Selective StartUp. I switched it to Normal StartUp and rebooted. This started causing issues/messages (ie. computer at risk, programs not loaded etc.). So I tried changing MSCONFIG back to Selective Startup. I tried this as Admin and in Safe Mode. My problem is that no matter what I try, I cannot get MSCONFIG to return to Selective StartUp. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
XP System Configuration Utility
Dec 5, 2012 6:54PM PST

When you choose the selective StartUp and reboot, there should have an option with check box to not showing next time.
Select that option and reboot. Don't worry, XP shows that when you change StartUp option.

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XP System Configuration Utility
Dec 6, 2012 2:07AM PST

Yes, I saw the box you speak of but that is not the problem. I cannot get MSCONFIG to return to Selective StartUp as it was before I switched it to Normal StartUp.

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(NT) Did you try system restore to just before this issue?
Dec 6, 2012 2:14AM PST
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XP System Configuration Utility
Dec 6, 2012 9:52AM PST

No, I thought about doing a restore after the problem occured but unfortunately for some reason backup/restore was shut off. I'm usually careful about making changes but this time I forgot to do a backup before the change. Any other ideas would be appreciated.

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Now keep in mind there is a rare bug I've encountered.
Dec 6, 2012 9:58AM PST

I ran into this a few times where I could configure it to selective startup but when I saved, rebooted the tab didn't show my settings. There is no known cure or fix for that. (unless you think a clean install is the fix.)

I rarely have to use this anymore as I've gotten better at fixing the normal startup issues that have me use this.

Why not try fixing the issues that have you using selective startup?

And let's me clear that many of the newer antivirus with "product protection" do cause issues like this!
Bob

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XP System Configuration Utility
Dec 6, 2012 9:34PM PST

I was afraid that the only solution was a clean install. I have the original image recovery disks that came with computer. So, I probably will have to go that route. I've done it before although I do remember it wasn't a very pleasant expierence (update drivers etc). Anyway, thanks for trying to help.

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Did you try to uncheck ...
Dec 6, 2012 9:41PM PST

the items in your normal startup (Startup tab of MSCONFIG) to see if any of those cause this issue?

Kees

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The issue I noted is cosmetic.
Dec 7, 2012 12:38AM PST

And will repeat for most folk as they repeat what broke it.

This is why I suggest working on the issue that caused you to use selective startup.
Bob

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XP System Configuration Utility
Dec 7, 2012 9:52PM PST

Bob, I actually didn't pick Selective Startup. It was already set to that when I first tried to fix the slow startup issue. I never intentially set it to Selective. It's odd that my other old computer is also set to Selective Startup. Whereas my "brand new" computer is set to Normal. I guess I'm a little confused now as to what is the Norm for the start up settings (Normal or Selective) and what would cause it to go to Selective if Normal is the normal setting.

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Many things.
Dec 8, 2012 12:29AM PST

An antivirus that is disabling something in conflict, malware, trojan or other. Your last reply clarified it for me.

But the cause is still a mystery as it's unknown what is installed.
Bob

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XP System Configuration Utility
Dec 9, 2012 2:30AM PST

Bob - you've given me an idea..... Before I get into using the restore disks, I think I'm going to start uninstalling programs. This may or may not solve the problem but I think it's worth a try.