msdos.sys

Being one of the files used to boot windows, there are a few key settings, which are needed to further enhance startup time. Once you have opened this file, most likely using WordPad, you should add the following each on their own line: DisableLog=1, and Logo=0. The first setting will disable the stupid log file written during startup. The second simply turns off the windows startup logo.

Startup list

The more programs you have turn on when windows initializes the longer you will have to wait for windows to fully load. Removing many of your unused programs from your startup list can greatly speed up windows, and put much less of a dent in your system's memory (RAM). Even if you have no items in your startup program group, Windows will still load a number of programs, some you may not even be aware of.

There is a tab in msconfig specifically for the task of controlling the items you're running at startup and its aptly named startup. Here you can untick any programs that you know you don't need running. Common ones that should be removed are items such as adobe gamma loader (unless you're using this), and Office Startup. Items you want to be sure not to untick would be scan registry and system tray, if you are running windows millennium you will probably want to leave PC heath state manager on (listed as *StateMgr).

by Ryan Wissman

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