Speed Up XP!

 

Speed Up Windows XP

The following are tips to speeding up Windows XP Home or Professional Edition:
Step 1: Disable Unneeded Services
By default Windows XP has about 30 services running in the background. Only about 15 are needed by the average person. The other 15 are slowing your computer down. To see all these services go to Start Menu > Run - Type "services.msc". To disable some of these services and not screw up your computer run the following program:
1. Click Here to download the Zip File
2. Extract Files using Winzip
3. Run XpOptimize.exe

Step 2: Change Themes
By default Windows XP uses the new "Windows XP" theme which may look pretty but uses a lot of resources. To fix this switch to "Windows Classic" theme. To do this right click on the desktop and select properties. In the window that pops up under theme select "Windows Classic". Then push ok. I also recommend changing to the classic start menu. To do this right click on the Start Menu and select properties. Then select "Classic Start Menu". Then push ok.
Step 3: Internet Explorer 6.0
Note: If you don't have Internet Explorer 6 or higher I recommend you upgrade.
This part may not speed up your computer right now but will help it stay fast. Right click on the "Internet Explorer" icon on your desktop and select properties or you can open up Internet Explorer and go to Tools > Internet Options. Now under "Temporary Internet Files" click on "Delete Files..." then click ok. It may take a few minutes if you've never done this before. Then right next to that click on "Settings...". In that windows Change "Disk Usage" to 20MB. Also next to "Delete File..." it says "Delete Cookies..." click there and then press ok. I also recommend that you click on the advanced tab and check the following boxes: "Use Inline Auto Complete" and "Empty Temporary Internet Files Folder When Browser is Closed" Uncheck: "Reuse Windows for Launching Shortcuts" and "Display a Notification About Every Script Error"
Step 4: Disable Start Up Programs
Note: Disableing the wrong programs may stop certain good programs from running.
One of the most common computer problems that slows computers down is loading too many programs when you start your computer. To see how many programs you have running right now press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select the processes tab. To disable programs you don't need go to Start Menu > Run - Type "msconfig". Uncheck any programs you don't need or use. Here is a list of some common programs you might find on the list:

Program Name

File Name

Details

What happens when unchecked

dumprep 0 -k

dumprep 0 -k

Part of windows

Nothing seems to happen.

avgcc32

avgcc32.exe

AVG Anti-Virus

Stops Anti-Virus

SYSWB6

SYSWB6.exe

We-Blocker

Stops Filtering

zlclient

zlclient.exe

Zone Alarm Firewall

Stops Firewall

E_S4I2G1

E_S4I2G1.exe

Epson Printer Driver

May stop printer from working.

atiptaxx

atiptaxx.exe

ATI System Tray App

System Tray App Goes Away

ElbyCheck

ElbyCheck.exe

CloneCD app

I think this verifies Cloned CD setting on every boot. Not needed

CMESys

CMESys.exe

Part of Gator

Nothing

ITunesHelper

ITunesHelper.exe

Part of iTunes

Nothing, but might be need if you use an mp3 player.

NeroCheck

NeroCheck.exe

Part of Nero

I think this verifies Nero setting on every boot. Not needed

qttask

qttask.exe

Part of quick time

Not Needed

RxMon

RxMon.exe

Part of Roxio ECDC 6

Not Needed

DrgToDsc

DrgToDsc.exe

Part of Roxio ECDC 6

Only Need if you use Drag to Disc

EngUtil

EngUtil.exe

Part of Roxio ECDC 6

Not needed

exec

exec.exe

Two programs have files with this name. It is either a mouse driver or part of netzero

Not needed

Gstartup

Gstartup.exe

Gator

Not needed

Microsoft Office

OSA.exe

MS Office

Only need if you have a MS office app start with you PC. (i.e. MS Office Shortcut Bar)

For a Larger list of start-up programs go here:
http://superfastcomputer.com/startup.html

Paul's Computer Service - Everything from firewire, networking, viruses, and more.

Written by computerboom on January 24th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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