Chapter 15 PC Troubleshooting 655
When ASR is used in conjunction with the Backup utility, it is possible to restore
critical system files and data files. The Backup utility is available through
Start |
All Programs | Accessories | System Tools |
Backup. The Backup utility can also
be accessed by running
NTbackup
from the
Run
dialog box.
Windows Vista continues to offer system backups through the Backup and
Restore Center. However, it does not use the acronym ASR when referring to the
newest backup and restore system. Be aware that there is a difference between
the backup features of the Windows Vista editions. Windows Vista Home Basic
and Windows Vista Home Premium do not provide a feature for performing a
complete PC backup image. Windows Vista Home basic and Home Premium
does include a feature for backing up personal files.
Microsoft System Configuration Utility
With the Microsoft System Configuration Utility (msconfig.exe), also referred
to as Msconfig, you can perform a diagnostic startup or select specific services
and applications not to load. Using the process of elimination, you can determine
which service or application is causing the problem. The System Configuration
Utility is used to eliminate items that can cause a problem during the startup of
the computer system and after the user logon. This is one of the most common
and useful troubleshooting utilities provided by Microsoft as part of the
operating system.
Figure 15-12 shows the latest version of the System Configuration Utility
used in Windows Vista. When used in troubleshooting startup problems, you
can select the
Diagnostic startup
option, which loads only the basic devices and
services necessary to start the operating system. You can also select the
Selective
startup
option, which provides a more selective diagnostic startup. It allows
you to choose between system services and startup items. For a very detailed
selection of which services and applications to allow to load and run on the
system, additional tabs are provided, such as Boot, Services, and Startup.
This utility is slightly different, depending on the exact operating system
and the features associated with that particular operating system. For example,
the Windows 95 and 98 System Configuration Utility has tabs named
Win.ini
or
System.ini
to accommodate the
win.ini
and
system.ini
files that were used in
Figure 15-12.
Windows
Vista System
Configuration.