Start--Run--msconfig.exe?

Question

When I go to Start-->Run-->msconfig.exe or msconfig I get an error that reads: 'Windows can not find msconfig. Make sure you typed...' OS Specs: Windows XP Home Edition. Version 2002. Service Pack 3. Computer Specs: Dell XPS 400. Pentium D. I'm guessing it's not on there because Dell purposely didn't put it in there. Why do they leave such things out? Honestly, I've never needed it until now. I am studying for CompTIA's A+ Certification exam, and I often come across things in my studies that I don't have. Mostly so far I have noticed I'm missing some System Tools. I'm missing both ScanDisk and Backup. These would both be nice to have. And now I find out I'm missing msconfig! How much more am I missing?! Is there a way to get any of these? And why does Dell decide to configure these not to have them? I learned from this A+ book about what OEM (Other Equipment Manufacturer) is. So I understand that an OEM can configure the OS the way they want. But why leave some stuff out like this?

tgsmith · Answer

Nockturnal,

Unless msconfig has been infected with a virus and quarantined or somehow accidentally deleted, it should be available. The Dell Reinstallation CD(s) for Windows XP are basically the same as Microsoft's retail version(s). Msconfig.exe should be located in:

C:\Windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries

If it's not there, you can extract it from the C:\I386 folder. Get to a command prompt and type:

expand C:\i386\msconfig.ex_ c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\msconfig.exe

As for no Backup program, don't blame Dell, blame Microsoft. Microsoft is responsible for Backup not being available in Windows XP Home Edition. I reckon Microsoft figures Home users don't need Backup. To install Ntbackup.exe in Windows XP Home, see this:

http://www.ntbackup.us/Articles/install-ntbackup-xp-home.htm

Scandisk is not available in Windows XP. CheckDisk performs that function in XP. See this:

http://www.xpscandisk.com/

I hope this information helps in your studies.

Tony

tgsmith · Answer

Nockturnal,

Unless msconfig has been infected with a virus and quarantined or somehow accidentally deleted, it should be available. The Dell Reinstallation CD(s) for Windows XP are basically the same as Microsoft's retail version(s). Msconfig.exe should be located in:

C:\Windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries

If it's not there, you can extract it from the C:\I386 folder. Get to a command prompt and type:

expand C:\i386\msconfig.ex_ c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\msconfig.exe

As for no Backup program, don't blame Dell, blame Microsoft. Microsoft is responsible for Backup not being available in Windows XP Home Edition. I reckon Microsoft figures Home users don't need Backup. To install Ntbackup.exe in Windows XP Home, see this:

http://www.ntbackup.us/Articles/install-ntbackup-xp-home.htm

Scandisk is not available in Windows XP. CheckDisk performs that function in XP. See this:

http://www.xpscandisk.com/

I hope this information helps in your studies.

Tony

tgsmith · Answer

Nockturnal,

Unless msconfig has been infected with a virus and quarantined or somehow accidentally deleted, it should be available. The Dell Reinstallation CD(s) for Windows XP are basically the same as Microsoft's retail version(s). Msconfig.exe should be located in:

C:\Windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries

If it's not there, you can extract it from the C:\I386 folder. Get to a command prompt and type:

expand C:\i386\msconfig.ex_ c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\msconfig.exe

As for no Backup program, don't blame Dell, blame Microsoft. Microsoft is responsible for Backup not being available in Windows XP Home Edition. I reckon Microsoft figures Home users don't need Backup. To install Ntbackup.exe in Windows XP Home, see this:

http://www.ntbackup.us/Articles/install-ntbackup-xp-home.htm

Scandisk is not available in Windows XP. CheckDisk performs that function in XP. See this:

http://www.xpscandisk.com/

I hope this information helps in your studies.

Tony

tgsmith · Answer

Ok, What's going on now?  Edits cause multiple posts? Tony

Windows General

Start-->Run-->msconfig.exe?

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