Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation

Zazula · 01-02-2007, 04:25 PM

If you wish to read the original article you can find it by clicking on this link

Kudos, Joe - concise and to the point, the twelve items in your optimisation recipe for WinXP-running machines, I'm sure will help many users to enjoy a smoother computing experience.

Chesters · 01-08-2007, 08:06 AM

This article has proved to be very helpfull for me and my system has become more stable and not so prone to random crashes. It has also removed a tremendous amount of rubbish from my system (around 1.6Gb).
Nice and easy to follow, I've printed it out for future reference 'cause I'm sure to need it again. Thanks.

**carsey** · 01-08-2007, 10:21 AM

Great news, Im glad the article helped you speed up and stabilize your system.

**Joefireline** · 01-08-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesters

This article has proved to be very helpfull for me and my system has become more stable and not so prone to random crashes. It has also removed a tremendous amount of rubbish from my system (around 1.6Gb).
Nice and easy to follow, I've printed it out for future reference 'cause I'm sure to need it again. Thanks.

That is excellent. I'm glad it has helped you.

Thanks for the comment Zazula.

**TheMatt** · 04-08-2007, 03:46 PM

I just got around to doing this on my XP installation. Great job Joe! The steps listed worked perfectly, and Windows is a lot faster. Thanks a bunch.

**Joefireline** · 04-08-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMatt

I just got around to doing this on my XP installation. Great job Joe! The steps listed worked perfectly, and Windows is a lot faster. Thanks a bunch.

That's great!
Thanks.

draftvader · 04-10-2007, 09:20 PM

Great post, super thankyou, the basic stuff that Windows has never got right, but why? Anyway, you've covered my "house cleaning" for today, thanks.

~~Girderman~~ · 04-27-2007, 11:42 PM

Noticed the Optimization Guide seems to advocate running in Diagnostic Mode, with certain Services & Startups disabled.

Not sure if this is a good idea, as I've seen malware re-install itself when disabled. Did I read the Guide correctly ?

**Joefireline** · 04-28-2007, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girderman

Noticed the Optimization Guide seems to advocate running in Diagnostic Mode, with certain Services & Startups disabled.

Not sure if this is a good idea, as I've seen malware re-install itself when disabled. Did I read the Guide correctly ?

Sorry, not sure if I understand what you mean, the only thing I say to adjust, is start up programs - and it just says ones you don't need

This isn't a guide on how to remove malware.

~~Girderman~~ · 04-28-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Sorry, not sure if I understand what you mean, the only thing I say to adjust, is start up programs - and it just says ones you don't need

This isn't a guide on how to remove malware.

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.

As I read (past tense "red" not "reed") the Guide, it seemed to advocate turning off items in the Startup & Services area using MSCONFIG and running the system in Selective Startup as a part of normal, everyday operations (rather than as a temporary diagnostic situation) as a means of improving the operation of XP.

I know people that do this, and have always had a sense of misgiving about it as it seems to me to be better to permanently remove unnecessary programs rather than running with them disabled in MSCONFIG.

My question is if that was the intent of the Guide, or did I misread it ?

**Joefireline** · 04-28-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girderman

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.

As I read (past tense "red" not "reed") the Guide, it seemed to advocate turning off items in the Startup & Services area using MSCONFIG and running the system in Selective Startup as a part of normal, everyday operations (rather than as a temporary diagnostic situation) as a means of improving the operation of XP.

I know people that do this, and have always had a sense of misgiving about it as it seems to me to be better to permanently remove unnecessary programs rather than running with them disabled in MSCONFIG.

My question is if that was the intent of the Guide, or did I misread it ?

Oh, that is meant to be like that, but I mean programs not needed at startup, a lot of programs are used, but people don't use them all the time.
And for removing programs altogether, I did put a section saying to remove unused programs.

Zazula · 04-30-2007, 11:13 PM

Girdie, to my understanding, running Selective Startup does not compromise the security of a computer, as long as ther has been prudence in which Services were disabled from starting. This approach deals with Services, which cannot be uninstalled. Even with programs, there is always the possibility that it's not wise to uninstall them, because they can be being used in another profile in the same computer. Moreover, disabling a program from the computer's startup, does not mean we don't want this program at all; it simply means we don't want it to get launched when the copmuter starts. Many programs allow this to be set via their Options/Settings (e.g. Windows Live Messenger), while others don't - and hence MSConfig is the only way to go then.

**TheMatt** · 05-01-2007, 02:48 PM

Correct. You can always restart the services/processes via the Run... box.

**TheMatt** · 05-31-2007, 12:43 PM

There are two other things I wanted to mention. I was thinking of writing an article on hard disk optimization, but I think Joe did an excellent job in that area. There are two more things I think should be added though.

One is the Disk Cleanup. The Windows disk cleanup is actually very good, and It has something that the Cleanup program doesn't have: File compression.

I suggest after running cleanup, running the Disk cleanup utility, and putting a check next to these two items:

Office Setup Files
Temporary setup files
Debug dump files
Old chkdsk files
Compress Old files

Then, I suggest swapping the regular defragmenter with the Power Defragmenter, which does a better job then the regular defragmenter.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...agmenter.shtml

Have the guide say to run the Power Defragmentation mode on the drive Windows is installed on (usually C:).

EDIT: Also, I think it would be a very good idea to mention creating a system restore point before performing the steps of the guide are done, and waiting a week or so before deleting all the restore points and creating a new one.

**Joefireline** · 05-31-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMatt

There are two other things I wanted to mention. I was thinking of writing an article on hard disk optimization, but I think Joe did an excellent job in that area. There are two more things I think should be added though.

One is the Disk Cleanup. The Windows disk cleanup is actually very good, and It has something that the Cleanup program doesn't have: File compression.

I suggest after running cleanup, running the Disk cleanup utility, and putting a check next to these two items:

Office Setup Files
Temporary setup files
Debug dump files
Old chkdsk files
Compress Old files

Then, I suggest swapping the regular defragmenter with the Power Defragmenter, which does a better job then the regular defragmenter.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...agmenter.shtml

Have the guide say to run the Power Defragmentation mode on the drive Windows is installed on (usually C:).

EDIT: Also, I think it would be a very good idea to mention creating a system restore point before performing the steps of the guide are done, and waiting a week or so before deleting all the restore points and creating a new one.

OK, matt, I'll get to work on those points, thanks!
I may be a while doing this, as I'm doing another article.

**TheMatt** · 05-31-2007, 08:34 PM

Thanks Joe. One mistake I made: To get to the Temp Setup files, Memory dump (debug) files, and Chkdisk file fragments, you have to use CCleaner. It might be worth considering adding that in as well.

**Joefireline** · 06-01-2007, 04:26 AM

Ok, I'll take a look at it (I currently don't use CCleaner.)

**Go The Power** · 06-16-2007, 05:53 PM

Great article Joe, well done!

**TheMatt** · 07-09-2007, 05:24 PM

Don't want to load you down Joe, but maybe we could consolidate all the links into this one which has all the steps in it:
http://www.connectedinternet.co.uk/2...ng-windows-xp/

**Wox** · 09-25-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMatt

Don't want to load you down Joe, but maybe we could consolidate all the links into this one which has all the steps in it:
http://www.connectedinternet.co.uk/2...ng-windows-xp/

THAT's what I followed when I had XP. Didn't even know there was an article here.

01-02-2007, 04:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zazula Manager Emeritus, I'm blond, James Blond Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Athens, Greece Posts: 7,667 OS: Win XP Pro SP2	Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation If you wish to read the original article you can find it by clicking on this link Kudos, Joe - concise and to the point, the twelve items in your optimisation recipe for WinXP-running machines, I'm sure will help many users to enjoy a smoother computing experience. __________________ "Time is the wisest because it discovers everything" Thales of Miletus (ca.624BC-ca.546BC) "Everything flows, nothing stands still." Heraclitus of Ephesus (ca.535BC-475BC) "One thing I know, that I know nothing" Socrates of Athens (ca.470BC–399BC) Last edited by JohnthePilot; 01-22-2008 at 03:41 AM.

01-08-2007, 08:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chesters Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lincoln UK Posts: 52 OS: XP Pro SP3	Getting the most out of XP This article has proved to be very helpfull for me and my system has become more stable and not so prone to random crashes. It has also removed a tremendous amount of rubbish from my system (around 1.6Gb). Nice and easy to follow, I've printed it out for future reference 'cause I'm sure to need it again. Thanks.

01-08-2007, 10:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
carsey Moderator, TSF Articles Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hunwick, Co. Durham England Posts: 10,678 OS: XP Pro SP3 My System	Great news, Im glad the article helped you speed up and stabilize your system. __________________ Submit New Articles Here

04-08-2007, 03:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation I just got around to doing this on my XP installation. Great job Joe! The steps listed worked perfectly, and Windows is a lot faster. Thanks a bunch. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

04-10-2007, 09:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
draftvader Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Great post, super thankyou, the basic stuff that Windows has never got right, but why? Anyway, you've covered my "house cleaning" for today, thanks.

04-27-2007, 11:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
~~Girderman~~ Troubled Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,096 OS: XP Pro	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Noticed the Optimization Guide seems to advocate running in Diagnostic Mode, with certain Services & Startups disabled. Not sure if this is a good idea, as I've seen malware re-install itself when disabled. Did I read the Guide correctly ?

04-30-2007, 11:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
Zazula Manager Emeritus, I'm blond, James Blond Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Athens, Greece Posts: 7,667 OS: Win XP Pro SP2	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Girdie, to my understanding, running Selective Startup does not compromise the security of a computer, as long as ther has been prudence in which Services were disabled from starting. This approach deals with Services, which cannot be uninstalled. Even with programs, there is always the possibility that it's not wise to uninstall them, because they can be being used in another profile in the same computer. Moreover, disabling a program from the computer's startup, does not mean we don't want this program at all; it simply means we don't want it to get launched when the copmuter starts. Many programs allow this to be set via their Options/Settings (e.g. Windows Live Messenger), while others don't - and hence MSConfig is the only way to go then. __________________ "Time is the wisest because it discovers everything" Thales of Miletus (ca.624BC-ca.546BC) "Everything flows, nothing stands still." Heraclitus of Ephesus (ca.535BC-475BC) "One thing I know, that I know nothing" Socrates of Athens (ca.470BC–399BC)

05-01-2007, 02:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Correct. You can always restart the services/processes via the Run... box. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

05-31-2007, 12:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation There are two other things I wanted to mention. I was thinking of writing an article on hard disk optimization, but I think Joe did an excellent job in that area. There are two more things I think should be added though. One is the Disk Cleanup. The Windows disk cleanup is actually very good, and It has something that the Cleanup program doesn't have: File compression. I suggest after running cleanup, running the Disk cleanup utility, and putting a check next to these two items: Office Setup Files Temporary setup files Debug dump files Old chkdsk files Compress Old files Then, I suggest swapping the regular defragmenter with the Power Defragmenter, which does a better job then the regular defragmenter. http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...agmenter.shtml Have the guide say to run the Power Defragmentation mode on the drive Windows is installed on (usually C:). EDIT: Also, I think it would be a very good idea to mention creating a system restore point before performing the steps of the guide are done, and waiting a week or so before deleting all the restore points and creating a new one. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides Last edited by TheMatt; 05-31-2007 at 12:48 PM.

05-31-2007, 08:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Thanks Joe. One mistake I made: To get to the Temp Setup files, Memory dump (debug) files, and Chkdisk file fragments, you have to use CCleaner. It might be worth considering adding that in as well. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

06-01-2007, 04:26 AM	#17 (permalink)
Joefireline Enthusiastic TSFer~Joseph Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Portishead (Bristol) England Posts: 5,319 OS: Windows 7 64bit(Desktop) / XP Home SP2(laptop) My System	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Ok, I'll take a look at it (I currently don't use CCleaner.)

06-16-2007, 05:53 PM	#18 (permalink)
Go The Power Moderator, Microsoft Support Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Australia Posts: 10,953 OS: Windows XP Home SP2 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Great article Joe, well done! __________________

07-09-2007, 05:24 PM	#19 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Getting the most out of your Windows XP based system, with optimisation Don't want to load you down Joe, but maybe we could consolidate all the links into this one which has all the steps in it: http://www.connectedinternet.co.uk/2...ng-windows-xp/ __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides