Prepare Materials and Tools Used for Configuration

A key to a well-tuned, trouble-free system is proper configuration. In order to

accomplish this, you must start by understanding its configuration. It can be difficult
to figure out all the devices in your system and the resources they are using.
To assist in this, several software tools have been created. These are
typically called diagnostic utilities or programs. Some of them are built-in to
your operating system and others are available either for free download or
commercial purchase.
Some of the built-in tools used in Microsoft system configuration
involves Microsoft System Configuration, Register Edit, Direct X and Control
Panel Applets.

1. Microsoft System Configuration: This boot configuration utility allows you

to set the programs that will run at startup and to edit configuration files. It
also offers simplified control over Windows Services.
System Configuration Utility consists of five functional tabs such as
General, Boot, Services, StartUp and Tools. The succeeding table
describes the use and functionality of each tab:

Table 1. General Tab of System Config Utility

Tab Function and Description

The general tab is the default tab in the System
configuration and shows how the computer will start, by
default Normal startup should be selected.

List of choices for startup configuration:

Normal Startup. Starts Windows in the usual manner.
Use this mode to start Windows after you are done
General using the other two modes to troubleshoot the
problem.
Diagnostic Startup. Starts Windows with basic
services and drivers only. This mode can help rule out
basic Windows files as the problem.
Selective Settings. Starts Windows with basic services
and drivers and the other services and startup
programs that you select.
48
 Figure 4. General Tab

Table 2. Boot Tab of System Config Utility

Tab Function and Description

This tab allows you to make the same adjustments you
can make in the Windows boot.ini file without having to edit
the file. It shows configuration options for the operating
system and advanced debugging settings, including the
following:

Safe boot (Minimal): Boots the Windows graphics user

interface in safe mode running only critical system
services. Networking is disabled.
Safe Boot (Alternate Shell): Boots the Windows
Boot Command Prompt in safe mode running only critical
system services. Networking and the graphical user
interface are disabled.
Safe Boot (Active Directory Repair): Boots the
Windows graphical user interface in safe mode
running critical system services and Active Directory.
Safe boot (Network): Boots the Windows graphical
user interface in safe mode running only critical
system services. Networking is enabled.
No GUI boot. Does not display Windows splash screen
when booting.
49
 Boot Log. Stores all information from the boot process
in the file %SystemRoot% Ntbtlog.txt.
Base Video. Boots to the Windows graphical user
interface in minimal VGA mode. This loads standard
VGA drivers instead of display drivers specific to the
video hardware on the computer.
OS boot information. Shows driver names as drivers
are being loaded during the boot process.
Make all boot settings permanent. Does not track
changes made in System Configuration. Options can
be changed later using System Configuration, but
must be changed manually. When this option is
selected, you cannot roll back your changes by
selecting Normal startup on the General tab.

Figure 5. Boot Tab

Table 3. Services Tab of System Config Utility

Tab Function and Description

The Services tab allows you to enable or disable any
of the Microsoft Windows services or other program services
running on the computer. It lists all the services that start
Services
when the computer boots, along with their status (Running or
Stopped). By checking the "Hide all Microsoft services" box
at the bottom of the window, you can see all non-Windows

50
 services such as driver services and program services that
are often the cause of startup problems. Unchecking a box
will disable the service from starting.

Warning:
Disabling services that normally run at boot time
might cause some programs to malfunction or result in
system instability. Do not disable services in this list unless
you know they are not essential to your computer’s
operation. Selecting Disable all will not disable some secure
Microsoft services required for the operating system to start.

Figure 6. Services Tab

Table 4. Start Up Tab of System Config Utility

Tab Function and Description

The Startup tab is one of the most frequent reasons
most Windows users enter the System Configuration utility.
In the Startup tab, you will be able to see the list of
applications that run when the computer boots, along with
the name of their publisher, the path to the executable file,
Startup and the location of the registry key or shortcut that causes
the application to run. These startup programs are often one
of the biggest causes for a computer to startup and run slow.
You can clear the check box for a startup item to disable it on
your next boot. If you have chosen Selective startup on the
General Tab, you must either choose Normal startup on the
51
 General tab or select the startup item’s check box to start it
again at boot time. If you suspect an application has been
compromised, examine the Command column to review the
path to the executable file.

Windows 8 Microsoft has removed this Startup

feature in the System Configuration utility and moved it into
the Windows 8 Task Manager. Uncheck any program that
you want to disable from starting up each time.

Note:
Disabling applications that normally run at boot time might
result in related applications starting more slowly or not
running as expected.

Figure 7. Startup Tab

Table 5. Tools Tab of System Config Utility

Tab Function and Description

This Provides a convenient list of diagnostic tools and
Tools other advanced tools that you can run.

52
 Figure 8. Tools Tab

2. Register edit: This application allows you to edit the registry.

The Windows Registry, usually referred to as "the registry," is a
collection of databases of configuration settings in Microsoft
Windows operating systems.
In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the Registry is stored in several
Hives, located in the following path: \windows\system32\config and
\Documents and Settings\ {username} folders.

Structure of the Registry

1. The Registry has a hierarchical structure, like the directories on your

hard disk. Each branch (denoted by a folder icon in the Registry Editor,
see below) is called a key. Each key can contain other keys, as well as
Values. Each value contains the actual information stored in the Registry.
There are three types of values: String, Binary, and DWORD - the use of
these depends upon the context.
2. There are six main branches (five in Windows 2000 and Windows XP),
each containing a specific portion of the information stored in the Registry.
They are as follows:
o HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - this branch contains all of your file
types as well as OLE information for all your OLE-aware
applications.
53
 o HKEY_CURRENT_USER - this branch points to the part of
HKEY_USERS appropriate for the current user.
o HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - this branch contains information
about all of the hardware and software installed in your
computer. Since you can specify multiple hardware
configurations, the current hardware configuration is specified in
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.
o HKEY_USERS - this branch contains certain preferences (such
as colors and control panel settings) for each of the users of the
computer. In Windows 95/98/Me, the default branch here
contains the currently-logged in user. In Windows 2000/XP, the
default branch here contains a template to be used for newly-
added users.
o HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - this branch points to the part of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE appropriate for the current hardware
configuration.
o HKEY_DYN_DATA (Windows 95/98/Me only) - this branch
points to the part of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, for use with
Windows' Plug-&-Play subsystem.

3. Direct X Diagnostic: The Microsoft DirectX Diagnostic Tool provides

you with information about the DirectX API components and drivers on
your system. It enables you to test sound and graphics output and
Microsoft DirectPlay service providers. You can use the diagnostic tool
to gather information about your system to use for diagnostic
purposes.
If you are experiencing problems when running
Microsoft DirectX applications, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool can help
you find the source of the trouble such as incorrect versions of DirectX
components, lack of hardware acceleration, devices that are not
connected and unsigned drivers.

54
 Figure 9. DX Diagnostic Tool

4. Control Panel applets

The names of various applets in the Control Panel differ slightly
depending on the version of Windows installed. In Windows XP, the
icons are grouped into categories:
Appearance and Themes: Applets that control the look of
windows:
Display
Taskbar and Start menu
Folder options
Network and Internet Connections: Applets that configure all the
connection types:
Internet options
Network connections
Add or Remove Programs: An applet to add or remove programs
and windows components safely
Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices: Applets that control all the
settings for sound:
Sounds and audio devices
Speech
Portable media devices
Performance and Maintenance: Applets to find information about
your computer or perform maintenance:
Administrative tools
Power options
Scheduled tasks
System
55
 Printers and Other Hardware: Applets to configure devices
connected to your computer:
Game controllers
Keyboard
Mouse
Phone and modem options
Printers and faxes
Scanners and cameras
User Accounts: Applets to configure options for users and their e-
mail:
E-mail
User accounts
Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options: Applets to change
settings based on your location and language:
Date and time
Regional and language options
Accessibility Options: A wizard used to configure windows for
vision, hearing, and mobility needs
Security Center: Applet used to configure security settings for:
Internet options
Automatic updates
Windows firewall

I. MS Configuration Command Classification

Directions: There are five functional tabs in MS Configuration utility, namely
General, Boot, Services, Startup and Tools. Classify the following items
according to the tabs they belong to. Write your answer on a separate paper.

1. Event Viewer 6. No GUI Boot

2. Safe Boot 7. OS Boot information
3. List of services that start 8. Hide All Microsoft Services
when computer boots 9. Convenient List of
4. Make all boot settings Diagnostic Tools
permanent 10. Base Video
5. Normal startup

56
Research and Explore
Directions: Conduct a research that identifies other available tools used for
computer system and network configuration. Use some other resources like
the World Wide Web and interview a practitioner (preferably an IT specialist
or a computer technician) to find out the different tools they use for
configuration. Your research will be rated according to the following criteria:

Rubrics for Term or Research Paper

Very Good Excellent

Qualities & Criteria Poor (70-74) Good (75-79)
(80-89) (90-100)
Format/Layout Followed Some format Most format All the
(15%) poorly the and layout and layout requirements
requirements related related related to
Presentation of the related to requirements requirements format and
text format and were met. were met. layout were
Structuring of text
layout. strictly
Requirements of
length, font and followed.
style followed
Content/Information The research The research The research The research
(50%) was not was objective was objective was objective
objective and and for some and for the and
All elements of the poorly part most part addresses
topics are addresses addresses an addresses an with an in-
addressed
the issues in-depth in-depth depth
The information is
technically sound referred in analysis analysis of analysis all
Information based the proposed The provided most issues the issues
on careful topic. information referred in referred in
research The provided was, for some the proposed the proposed
Coherence of information part, topic. topic.
information was not necessary The provided The provided
necessary or and sufficient information information
not sufficient to discuss was, for the was
to discuss these issues. most part, necessary
these issues. necessary and sufficient
and sufficient to discuss
58
 to discuss these issues.
these issues.
Quality of Writing The essay The essay The essay The essay
(25%) was not well was well was well was well
written, and written for written for the written from
Clarity and contains some part, most part, start to finish,
cohesiveness of many spelling without without without
sentences and
errors, and/or spelling, spelling, spelling,
paragraphs
No errors in grammar grammar or grammar or grammar or
spelling, grammar errors and/or use of use of use of
and use of English use of English English English
Organization and English errors. errors. errors.
coherence of errors. The essay is The essay is The essay
ideas It lacks clarity for some part for the most was well
and/or does well part well organized,
not present organized, organized, clear and
ideas in a clear and clear and presents
coherent presents presents ideas in a
way. ideas in a ideas in a coherent
coherent coherent way.
way. way.
References (10%) References Some of the Most of the All of the
were not references references references
Soundness of appropriately were were were
references used and appropriately appropriately appropriately
cited. used and used and used and
cited. cited. cited.

59
Oral Presentation
Directions: After the thorough research and exploration, you have to present
your work individually in an oral presentation. Your performance will be rated
based on the rubrics provided in this section.

Rubrics for Oral Presentation

B D AP P A
CRITERIA
(70- 74) (75-79) (80-84) (85-89) (90-100)

1. Gave an interesting
introduction
2. Presented clear
explanation of topic
3. Presented information in
a logical manner
4. Used complete sentence
5. Offered a concluding
statement
6. Spoke clearly, correctly,
distinctly, and confidently
7. Maintained eye contact
8. Maintained good and
proper posture
9. Utilized audio-visual
materials
10. Answered questions
sufficiently and received
comments openly
Total
Grand Total

Legend:
B- Beginner P- Proficient
D- Developing A- Advance
AP- Approaching Proficiency

60
Procedures in Using Computer System Configuration Tools

As a future computer technician you must be diligent and eager to

know the different procedures in using the tools for computer system
configuration. This will help and guide you to carry out a particular job in a
proper manner. Once you already identify them, you must also acquire the
necessary and appropriate skills to apply them in actual situations.

This part of the module present some of the required procedures in

computer system configuration. Take note that you need to exert extra effort
in finding out some procedures which are not in this module. This is your
chance to explore and learn through your own experience.

The subsequent sections below present the various procedures in

using Computer System Configuration Tools:

1. Accessing and using Microsoft System Configuration

Click on Start Button
In the Search Box, type Run
In the Run window, type msconfig, and press Enter.

Figure 10. General Tab of Microsoft system configuration

61
 2. Accessing and using Regedit:
Click on Start Button
In the search box, or Run window, type the following:
regedit and then press Enter.

Figure11. Registry Editor Window

Using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor (regedit.exe) is included in Windows to enable you
to view and edit the contents of the Registry. When you open the Registry
Editor, you will see a window divided into two panes. The left side shows a
tree with folders (see Structure of the Registry above), and the right side
shows the contents (values) of the currently selected folder (key).
To expand a certain branch, click on the little plus sign [+] on the left of
any folder, or just double-click on the folder.
To display the contents of a key (folder), just click the desired key, and
look at the values listed on the right side.
You can add a new key or value by selecting New from the Edit menu.
You can rename any value and almost any key with the same method
used to rename files; right-click on an object and click rename, or click
on it twice (slowly), or just press F2 on the keyboard.

62
 Lastly, you can delete a key or value by clicking on it, and pressing
Delete on the keyboard, or by right-clicking on it, and choosing Delete.

Caution: Using regedt32.exe or regedit.exe incorrectly might cause

configuration problems that may require you to reinstall the operating
system.

3. Accessing and Using Direct X Diagnostic

You can test Microsoft DirectDraw and Direct3D on each monitor
attached to your system. You can also test DirectSound on each wave output
device, and DirectMusic on each music port.

To run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DX Diagnostic Tools Window of

Windows XP differs from Windows 7 but it does the same function):
Click on Start Button, type Run on the search box.
On the Run window, Type in dxdiag and click Ok or press
Enter, as shown in Figure 9, Run Dialog Box.

Figure12. Run Dialog Box

Next you will see a new window with various tabs.

63
 Figure13. System Tab of DX Diagnostic Tool

The System tab shows information about your computer and displays
the version of DirectX installed on your computer.
The DirectX Files tab shows the file name and the version number for
each DirectX file installed on your computer. It also shows the file
names and the version numbers of other files that are used by games
that are running under DirectX.
The Display tab lists your current display settings, and allows you to
disable DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture Acceleration. You can
also test DirectDraw and Direct3D from the Display tab which will
indicate that the DirectX Graphics runtime files are installed and
operating correctly. It will also display your device's available memory
and can tell you if your video driver has passed Microsoft's Windows
Hardware Quality Labs testing standard. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool,
however, cannot report memory that is in use at the time that it starts
and you may see less memory reported than your video card actually
has.

64
 Figure14. Display Tab of DX Diagnostic Tool

The Sound tab displays your current audio settings and allows you to
test DirectSound. It will tell you if the audio driver are signed, meaning
that it has passed Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing
standard. The Hardware Sound Acceleration Level slider is used to
correct audio glitches that might be caused by some audio drivers. You
can adjust the slider settings and see if it provides better results in your
application. Be sure not to lower it too much or you may disable some
audio features of your system. If the tool detects a problem with your
sound settings, a warning message is displayed in the Notes box.

The Music tab displays your current MIDI settings, and allows you to
test the DirectMusic component of DirectX. Click on the Test
DirectMusic button to perform the test. If the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
detects a problem with DirectMusic, a warning message is displayed in
the Notes box.

65
 Figure15. Sound Tab of DX Diagnostic Tool

The Input tab lists the input devices connected to your computer such as
USB and PS2 devices. It also displays the input drivers installed on your
computer. If the DirectX Diagnostic Tool detects a problem with an input
device or an input device driver, a warning message is displayed in the
Notes box.

66
 Figure16. Input Tab of DX Diagnostic Tool

The Network tab lists the registered DirectPlay Service Providers. These
are the connection methods that DirectPlay will operate across. A registry
problem here can normally be resolved by reinstalling DirectX. A registry
error here can normally be resolved by removing and reinstalling that
application. If the DirectX Diagnostic Tool detects a problem with a
DirectPlay Service Provider or Application, a warning message is
displayed in the Notes box.
The More Help tab allows you to further troubleshoot problems that the
other tabs could not resolve. Features include the DirectX
troubleshooter, sound troubleshooter, system information tool and the
override tool which will override DirectDraw’s refresh rate.

67
Windows Registry Backup and Recovery

Directions: In this activity you will back up a computer registry. You will also
perform a recovery of a computer registry. The registry is also called System
State data. You will be given 1 hour to accomplish this activity.

Recommended Equipment:
A computer system running Windows XP is required for this exercise.

Procedures:
Step 1
Log on to the computer as yourself.
Click Start > Run.
Type ntbackup and then click OK. The “Backup or Restore
Wizard” window appears.

Figure 17. Backup or Restore Wizard

Step 2
Click Advanced Mode.
The Backup Utility window appears.

68
 Figure 18. Backup Utility Window

Step 3
Click Backup Wizard.
The “Welcome to the Backup Wizard” window appears.

Figure 19. Backup Restore Wizard Window

Step 4
Click Next.
Click the Only back up the System State data radio button.

69
 Figure 20. Choose “Only backup system state data”

Step 5
Click Next.
The “Backup Type, Destination, and Name” window appears.

Figure 21. Backup Type Destination, and Name” Window

Step 6
Click Browse.

70
 If you are asked to insert a disk into the floppy disk drive, click
Cancel.
The “Save As” dialog box appears.

Figure 22. Save As Dialog Box

Step 7
Click the My Documents icon on the left side of the “Save As”
dialog box.
Click Save.
The “Backup Type, Destination, and Name” window re-appears.

Step 8
Click Next.
The “Completing the Backup Wizard” appears.

71
 Figure 23. Completing the Backup Wizard Window
Step 9
Click Advanced.
The “Type of Backup” window appears.

Figure 24. Type of Backup Window

The default backup type is “Normal”. If available, make sure that
“Backup Migrated Remote Storage Data” is not checked.

Step 10
Click Next.
The “How to Backup” window appears.

72
 Figure 25. How to Backup Window
Step 11
Click the Verify Data After Backup check box, and then click
Next.
The “Backup Options” window appears.

Figure 26. Backup Options Window

Step 12
Click Replace the existing backups, and then click Next.
The “When to Back Up” window appears.

73
 Figure 27. When to Backup Window
Step 13
At the “When To Back Up” window, click Now and then click Next.
The “Completing the Backup Wizard” window appears.

Figure 28. Completing the Backup Window

Step 14
Click Finish.
The “Backup Progress” window appears.

74
 Figure 29. Backup Progress Window

The “Backup Progress” window indicates that the backup is

complete.

Step 15
Click Report.
The Notepad application window appears containing the report.

75
 Figure30. Notepad Application Window

Close Notepad.
In the Backup Progress dialog box, click Close.
Close the Backup Utility.

Step 16
Click Start >Run.
Type regedit in the “open” field. The Registry Editor window
appears.

Figure 31. RegEdit Window

76
Step 17
Expand the HKEY_CURRENT_USER Registry Key.
Expand the Control Panel Registry Key.
Expand the PowerCfg Registry Key.
Right-Click the Screen Saver. Stars Registry Key.
Click Delete.
Click File > Exit in the Registry Editor window.
Browse to the “My Documents” folder and locate the “backup.bkf”
file.
Double-click the backup file to bring up the Backup Utility Wizard.
Click Next.

Step 18
Click the Restore files and settings radio button and then click
Next.
The “What to Restore” window appears.

Figure 32. What to Restore Window

Step 19
Expand the file.
Expand the backup.bkf file.
Click the System State check box.

77
 Figure 33. Click System State Check box

Step 20
Click Next.
The “Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard” window appears.

Figure 34. Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard Window

Step 21
Click Advanced.
The “Where to Restore” window appears.

78
 Figure 35. Where to Restore Window
Step 22
The default restoration location is “Original location”.
Click Next.
The “Restoring System State will always overwrite current System
State unless restoring to an alternate location.” Warning window
appears.
Click OK.

Figure 36. “Restoring System State will always overwrite current

System State unless restoring to an alternate location” Warning
Window

Step 23
Click the Replace existing files if they are older than the backup
files radio button.

79
 Figure 37. How to Restore Window

Step 24
Click Next.
The “Advanced Restore Options” window appears

Figure 38. Advanced Restore Options Window

80
 Be sure that all three check boxes are selected, and then click
Next.
Click Finish.
The system recovery begins by copying the files back to the
computer.
When prompted to restart the computer, click Yes. The computer
will restart.

Step 25
Click start > Run.
Type regedit in the “Open” field.
Click OK.
You should see the “Screen Saver Stars” Registry key in the
Registry Editor application window.
Click File > Exit.
Finish

Performance Rubrics for

Windows Registry Backup and Recovery

CRITERIA Excellent Good Fair Poor

4 3 2 1
Safety Procedures
(15%)
-Applied / manifested
safety precautions while
working
Adherence to the
Procedures (30%)
-Followed the
procedures
systematically
Workmanship (15%)
-Utilized organized
materials and tools
while accomplishing the
task and exhibited time
management
Quality of work (40%)
-the windows registry
was fully backed up

81