Windows 8 Bible

Performing a Clean Boot

The biggest problem with hardware errors is that even a tiny error can have seemingly catastrophic results, such as suddenly shutting down the system and making it difficult to get the system started again. Clean booting can also help with software problems that prevent the computer from starting normally or cause frequent errors.

Not for the technologically challenged, this procedure is best left to more experienced users who can use it to diagnose the source of a problem that’s preventing the computer from starting normally. The procedure for performing a clean boot is as follows:

Note

A clean boot is not the same as a clean install. During a clean boot, you may temporarily lose some normal functionality. But once you perform a normal startup, you should regain access to all your programs and documents, and full functionality.

1. Close all open programs and save any work in progress.

2. At the Windows desktop, press Windows+X, click Run, and enter msconfig.

3. The System Configuration tool opens, as shown in Figure 48.5.

FIGURE 48.5 The Services tab

4. On the General tab, choose Selective Startup and make sure the Load Startup Items check box is cleared.

5. Click the Services tab.

6. Select Hide All Microsoft Services and click the Disable All button.

7. Click OK.

8. Click the Restart button.

To return to normal startup after diagnosis, ...