can't run msconfig

Whenever I try to run msconfig to check on startup programs I am getting the following message: "An Access Denied error was returned while attempting to change a service. You may need to log on using an administrator account to make the specified changes ". I am the only user of this computer and am the administrator on this Windows XP Compaq Presario laptop. I am getting the same message whether in regular or in safe mode. Any thoughts how to get rid of this error message?

 

doesn't sound good. an admin account that can't check startup stuff is probably a bad sign. scan the box i'd say.

i'd also try sfc /scannow from CMD maybe.

u can also see if there's some issue w/ msconfig.exe. get mike lin's startup control panel. google mike lin and u'll find it.

 

hbreder--Perhaps of help
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_msconfig.htm
Read the section "Extract a new copy of msconfig... "

 

cannot run msconfig

Thanks for your suggestions. I tried them but nothing worked. Finally repaird the error by (buying and) running Registry Mechanic.

 

hbreder--Thanks for telling us the solution.

 

Much Better then MSCONFIG

This freebe runs absolute circles around MSCONFIG -->

http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/autoruns.html

A bit complicated looking at first but is a real treasure for seeing what really loads at startup.

Good luck
Top Dog

 

Another one is WinPatrol from www.winpatrol.com. Many things in one. Higly recommended.

 

Thanks! Love autoruns (http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/autoruns.html). Got error message when trying to download winpatrol.