Microsoft Weekly

Get one-click access to 18 powerful Windows tools

By Ed Bott

Every Windows installation includes a wide assortment of diagnostic and troubleshooting tools. So many, in fact, that it can be difficult to remember which is which.

That's when the System Configuration utility comes in handy. Type msconfig in the Run box, press Enter, and then click the Tools tab to see the entire collection. It includes shortcuts to some familiar tools, such as Command Prompt and Registry Editor, as well as shortcuts to some Control Panel apps you'd have to dig to find otherwise. Each entry includes a description alongside the tool name. Just select the tool you want to use and then click Launch.

If that sounds fairly basic, you're right. But this tab also includes a hidden feature that can help you become an expert: Look below the list to see the full command line for the current selection, so that you can create your own shortcuts or add that tool to a script. For the IP Configuration utility and Performance Monitor, select the Advanced Options check box to open the full version of the selected tool.

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