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Whether you just bought a computer with an Windows XP Operating System or have had it a while, here are some simple tweaks that will get your XP Computer to run faster that anyone with basic computer knowledge can do. Note this is what I’ve done for my XP Computer, I am not familiar with Windows Vista and personally prefer XP because its always been reliable to me. If you have any system other than XP I would not recommend doing any of the service changes I’ve listed. Do Not Make any changes to your computer unless you have at least one software program which corrects registry errors. These are fairly cheap. You’ll read about them in the following section:
Windows XP Start-Up
When you buy a new computer, all programs are running in the background which slows your computer up immensely. You only need a few programs to run in your computers background from start up. Some of you who have had your computers a while may not be aware of all the programs that are running unnecessarily in your computers background and slowing your computer down. The first thing I would do if I were you if you still have free technical help from your computer manufacturer, is to call them up and ask them what programs you need to have running in the background. You can see what programs are currently running on your XP computer’s background by clicking Run and typing the word MSCONFIG, clicking enter and then looking under “StartUp” the second column on the right. The more things that are checked the slower your computer will run because these programs are running in the background and taking up memory. I personally recommend you only have your anti-virus program checked and the router for an XP laptop checked if you are using a laptop (You don’t have to have this checked on your desktop unless it uses a router). If there are other programs you want running immediately when the computer is on, you can tell by looking at the icons on the right corner on the bottom of your computer screen by the clock. Note these icons are currently running and if you don’t want them running and taking up memory, just uncheck them in the startup on MSCONFIG. Write down any changes you made in the start-up in case you want to change them back later. Now click Apply and restart your computer.
After the computer restarts, before you do anything, your computers registry will have changed and you should use one to three software registry programs to correct any changes. Here are the 3 programs I use to correct registry errors. You can get by with using just one but I’m a bit paranoid. I’d also run these programs every time you install or delete a computer program as registry errors will likely result that need to be corrected or your computer may be effected.
1. (TuneUp Utilities) 1-Click Maintenance quickly cleans up your registry and hard drive with one click. 1-Click Maintenance is part of this software and is the basic application I use from it.
2. Advanced Registry Optimizer cleans, repairs and optimizies your PC Registry. Errors in your registry accumulate over time and can lead to crashes, reduced performance and unwanted slow-downs. By downloading and frequently using a top-rated registry cleaner like Advanced Registry Optimizer, you can stabilize your system’s performance quickly and easily.
3. (PC Tools)Registry Mechanic is an advanced registry cleaner for that can safely clean and repair problems with your registry in a few simple mouse clicks! Easily fix problems with the Windows registry that are a common cause of crashes and error messages. I find this compliments Registry Optimizer and I recommend both.
You need to have at least one good registry repair software. I have 3 because I’m a bit paranoid and don’t want to leave anything to chance. I’d recommend if you just want one to use Advanced Registry Optimizer.
OK, after you used your registry software, just play around with your computer for the next hour or so and see if you’ve noticed it running faster. Once your content that your computer is running at least as fast as before, now its time to take it to step two:
Disabling Unnecessary Computer Services to Make Your Computer Run Even More Faster
Before you proceed further, please make sure your System Restore Application is Running and that you write down any changes that you make and keep a record this record of changes with you- In other words don’t throw it out! Go to your control panel, Click open Administrative Tools and then click Component Services and then click Local Services. Here are Services that I disabled by myself. By disabled, I mean that the word “STARTED” was originally in the Status Window and is now blank if it is disabled. The way to Disable a service that is marked by the word “STARTED” is to right click the Service and then Click Properties and then click Stop under Service Status. Do Not Do Anything Right Now!
OK here are the Services I recommend that should be Disabled, Again meaning the Word Started is not listed in the third panel under Status. In plain English, if there is a blank spot already under Status for the following Services, that’s fine, DO NOTHING, you don’t want to change it. I followed the changes listed on this website, www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1036/windows-xp-list-of-services-to-disable-to-increase-speed, feel free to Click Here If you want More Detail
1. Smart Card / Smart Card Helper - If you don’t have a smart card system Disable
2. TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service - Unless you run NetBIOS on your system, disable. If you don’t know what this is, you probably don’t run it.
3. Uninterruptible Power Supply - Disable unless you have Uninterruptible Power Supply
4. Remote Registry service - Unless you remotely edit your register, disable. Gives you better security to disabled.
5. Error Reporting Service - This program helps Microsoft. If you don’t want to help them, disable it.
6. Wireless Zero Configuration - If you don’t use Wi-Fi, Disable. But if you ever do use Wi-Fi, Enable.
7. Alerter - Disable
8. Clipbook - Disable unless you want to use it for a private network.
9. Computer Browser - If you are on a LAN, keep it enabled. If not, disable.
10. FastUser Switching Compatibility - Disable only if you don’t use multiple user/logins and always log in the same as the same person.
11. Messenger Service -Disable
12. NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing Service - Disable unless you use NetMeeting.
13. Network DDE - Disable
14. Network DDE DSDM - Disable
15. Remote Desktop Help Session Manager Service - Unless you use remote desktop, disable.
16. Telnet Service - Unless you use Telnet, disable.
OK, after you’ve recorded the changes you made, restart your computer. Once your computer is restarted, run your registry repair software again.
Adding New Programs or Deleting Programs and Windows Updates
Whether you get one registry repair program or more (See Above), you should definitely run it every time there is a change on your computer from a installing a new program, deleting a program, browser update, windows update, or you’re updating a new program, to avoid any problems caused which can affect your computer and slow it down.
If you disagree with anything I’ve written, feel free to comment, I won’t be offended and may even revise this post. If you have any other suggestions to tweak an XP computer to run faster, please feel free to comment.
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