The Run Line utility, shown in Figure 1, allows you to enter commands to configure settings in Windows. Many of these commands are used for system diagnostics and modifications.
To access the Run Line utility in Windows 7, use the following path:
Start > Search box > Type run > Enter
To access the Run Line utility in Windows Vista, use the following path:
Start > Start Search > Type run > Enter
To access the Run Line utility in Windows XP, use the following path:
Start > run
This is a list of common commands:
- CMD - Used to execute command-line programs and utilities, as shown in Figure 2.
- DXDIAG - Displays details for all DirectX components and drivers that are installed in a computer, as shown in Figure 3. Use this utility to ensure that DirectX is installed properly and configured correctly.
- EXPLORER - Opens Windows Explorer.
- MMC - Opens the Microsoft Management console (MMC), shown in Figure 4, which allows you to organize management tools, called snap-ins, in one location for easy administration. You can also add web page links, tasks, ActiveX controls, and folders. You can create as many customized MMCs as needed, each with a different name. This is useful when multiple administrators manage different aspects of the same computer. Each administrator can have an individualized MMC for monitoring and configuring computer settings.
- MSCONFIG - Opens the System Configuration Utility, as shown in Figure 5, which performs diagnostic procedures on the Windows startup files. You must be logged in with Administrator permissions to complete the troubleshooting procedure. Use MSCONFIG when the computer boots but does not load Windows correctly.
- MSINFO32 - Displays a complete system summary of the computer, including hardware components and software information, as shown in Figure 6.
- MSTSC - Opens Remote Desktop Connection.
- NOTEPAD - Opens the Notepad Utility, as shown in Figure 7, which is a basic text editor.
- REGEDIT - Opens the Registry Editor utility, as shown in Figure 8, which allows a user to edit the registry. Using the Registry Editor utility incorrectly could cause hardware, application, or OS problems, including problems that require you to reinstall the operating system.
- SERVICES.MSC - Opens the Services utility.
MSCONFIG
MSCONFIG is officially called System Configuration in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, and is called Microsoft System Configuration Utility in Windows XP. System Configuration can be used to disable or re-enable device drives, Windows services, and software programs. It can also change boot parameters.
The following five tabs are used to manage the different features:
- General – Used to select Normal, Diagnostic and Selective startup methods
- Boot – Provides boot options that can be turned on and off
- Services – Used to disable and enable running services
- Startup – Used to disable and enable items that are loaded automatically when the computer is turned on
- Tools – Used to launch Windows features that are usually found in the Control Panel