To answer this question, the name of the menu-absent tool bundled with (or downloadable for) every Windows OS since Windows 98 is B) MSConfig (System Configuration).
Let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) Task Manager - Task Manager is a different tool that allows users to view and manage running processes, applications, and system performance. It does not modify startup programs, files, and services, or the boot process.
Option B) MSConfig (System Configuration) - This option is correct. MSConfig is a tool that allows users to modify startup programs, files, and services, as well as the boot process. It is not found in the Programs menu but can be accessed by typing "msconfig" in the Run dialog box or the Start menu search bar.
Option C) PerfMon (Performance Monitor) - PerfMon is a tool that monitors and analyzes system performance. It does not modify startup programs, files, and services, or the boot process.
Option D) CACLS - CACLS is a command-line tool used to display or modify file or directory access control lists (ACLs). It does not modify startup programs, files, and services, or the boot process.
The correct answer is B) MSConfig (System Configuration). This option is correct because MSConfig is the tool that can modify startup programs, files, and services, as well as the boot process, and it is not found in the Programs menu.