ENTERPRISE

PART 1 HERE

The Ultimate Windows XP Optimizer Guide!!! + Hints and Tips!!! PART 2

Hey there once again Boys and Girls this is PART 2 of the The Ultimate Windows XP Optimizer Guide!!! + Tips!!!. Please Enjoy!!!

34.DEFRAGGING RAM: Well to keep your Windows XP running well sometimes its a good idea to defrag RAM because any RAM thats no longer being used due to old uninstalled programs will be returned to its free spool ready for other programs to use. You can find some ram Optimizers here. FREE RAM OPTIMZER,MEMTURBO

35.FASTER BOOTING WITH BOOTVIS: Bootvis is a program Created by microsoft to monitor the amount of time it takes for windows to load drivers and other essential bits when windows loads. After it has monitored your System you can tell it to optimize the position of your bootfiles to enable a quicker boot. First get the program from this link. BOOTVIS
After you have installed this program open it up and select ''Trace'' then ''Optimize system'' and then your computer will re-boot in 10 secs unless you restart it straight away by clicking the ''Restart now'' button.
Then after it Re-boots it will perform its task so make sure dont do anything while it is optimizing.

36.NTFS OR FAT32 FILE SYSTEM?: Well before installing Windows XP there are two different file systems to choose from..There is NTFS ( New Technology File System ) and FAT ( File Allocation Table ). I will now go through the advantages and disadvantages of both file systems.

NTFS ADVANTAGES:
1.Supports maximum file size up to the size of the disk.
2.Allows file encryption for better system wide security.
2.Allows a compression if needed to save disk space.
3.Tracks changes in files so if there a problem with your computer you can return the OS to its previous state.
4.Indexing service so you can find your files quicker when searching.
5.Better overall security

NTFS DISADVANTAGES:
1.Not very good for smaller harddrives

FAT32 ADVANTAGES:
1.Better for dual booting ( Thats if you have 2 Operating systems on the same harddrive ).
2.Compressed drive so it saves space.
3.Small partitions.

FAT32 DISADVANTAGES:
1.Not good with large harddrives.
2.No file encryption..so is less secure
3.Doesnt allow a partition size as big as your harddrive.

VERDICT:
All in all if you were to pick a file system i would reccomend the NTFS file system for Windows XP as it is more secure and is recoverable if something were to go wrong. Also you can compress your harddrive for that little extra space if needed but compression does criple access times.However if you are running an older OS for example Windows 98 then i would reccomend the FAT32 file system.

37.DR WATSON: ''Dr Watson'' is a needless program that monitors programs for internal errors and if an error is found it will pop-up asking you to ''Debug'' and this can be annoying and can also use up RAM.so ill now go through the steps to remove ''Dr Watson'' from your system.
( Warning: Please back-up your registry before performing this step. If you do not know how to back-up Registry please Refer to Part 1 of this FAQ.)
1. Click Start, click Run, type ''regedit'' in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Find and click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug
3. After that locate the AeDebug key and then delete it.

38.AUTOMATIC LOGON: There is an option in Windows XP so that every time you logon you dont have to enter a password to proceed, So this is great for people who are not good at remembering passwords because if you forget a Windows XP logon password then your pretty much bummed as there is no way to get back in unless you use a third party program,plus not having a password will give you a nice fast logon. Now to disable the password feature go into ''Control Panel'' then locate ''User Accounts'' double click on this. Then ''Uncheck'' the box next to the line called "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer". Once you have done that click ''Apply''. Then enter the username and password you want to automatically logon with and then click o.k and your done.

39. SERVICES: Now within Windows XP there are bound to be ''Services'' you can disable to speed up your system. I say this because XP is packed with alot of services that just arn't vital or can be disabled in special cases to suit you. Now i will go through the services that you dont need ( Warning: I cannot be help responsible for any damage this step may cause to the Operating Systems stability.) Now to disable them go to ''Control panel'' Then ''Adminstative tools'' then double click on ''Services'' and from here you can disable them. I will now list the services that you can disable safely. A Thank you from me has to go to Overclock.net member ''Danm'' for assisting me in this step.

Alerter:
Notifies users of administrative alerts.

ClipBook:
Used to store information (cut/paste) and share it with other computers.

Error Reporting Service:
Calls home to Microsoft when application errors occurs.

Fast User Switching Compatibility:
This let you quickly switch from one user to another in you pc.

Help and Support:
Help and support centr to help sort out your problems but never does.

Messenger:
Sends messages between clients and servers.

Net Login:
Used for logging onto a Domain Controller.

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing:
Enables a user to access your computer using NetMeeting.

Network DDE:
remote ClipBook

Network DDE DSDM:
Same as above.

Network Location Awareness (NLA):
Required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing Service (server only.)

Performance Logs and Alerts:
Collects performance data on a schedule and sends the information to a log or triggers an alert.

Print Spooler:
Only have this enabled if you have a printer.

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager:
Manages and controls Remote Assistance.

Remote Registry Service:
Change your computers registry from another location.

Removable Storage:
Used for managing removable media. Disable this service if you do not have items like tape backup devices, etc.

Smart Card:
Supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication.

Smart Card Helper:
Supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication.

Task Scheduler:
This service is used to schedule maintenance, MS Backup sessions or maybe even Auto Update. Some third party software may require this service to be active for automated functions, such as Virus Scanners, system maintenance tools, and Automatic patch/driver lookups.

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper:
Service Legacy support for NetBios over TCP/IP. If your network does not use NetBios, disable this function.

Telephony:
Controls telephony devices on the local computer. Don’t disable it if you are using Dial-up.

Telnet:
Allows remote login to the local computer via the telnet function.

Terminal Services:
Allows remote login to the local computer. This service is Required for Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance.

Uninterruptible Power Supply:
Most people run on constant power so this is not needed.

Universal Plug and Play Device Host:
Used in conjunction with SSDP Discovery Service, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. Take note: UPnP is NOT related to PnP. UPnP is used for connectivity on networks via TCP/IP to devices, such as scanners or printers. Your sound card is PnP. Do NOT Disable Plug and Play service.

WebClient:
Known as a security risk.

Windows Time:
Automatically sets your clock by contacting a server on the Internet.

Wireless Zero Configuration:
Automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you do not have any wireless network devices in use, Disable this service.

WMDM PMSP Service:
Retrieves the serial number of any portable music player connected to your computer.

40. UNLOADING DLL'S: Every piece of software has DLL's that it uses. when the program closes windows keeps these cached after the program closes wasting memory space.To make it so that windows doesn't cache them do the following. Go to ''Start'' then ''Run'' and type ''Regedit''. Once you have done that locate ''HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer '', and then under that create a new key and name it ''AlwaysUnloadDLL'' and give it a value of 1.

41. KEEP WINDOWS IN MAIN MEMORY: This controls whether Windows XP will transfer its essential driver and kernel files to the virtual memory on your harddrive or RAM. You should only do this tweak if you have 256mb of ram or over. To do this go to ''Start'' thne ''Run'' and type ''Regedit'' then locate ''HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\ Session Manager\Memorymanagement'' and set the ''DisablePagingExecutive'' value to 1

42.QUICK RESTART ICON:
To do this ''Right click'' on your desktop then go to ''New'' then click ''Shortcut''. A command line will appear and in this line you need to type ''shutdown -r -t 00'', then click next and you will be brought to another command line where you can name your icon E.G ''Restart''.After that press o.k and now you have a ''restart'' icon on your desktop , but you may want to make it look different. To do this right-click on the Icon, go to properties and under comment, you'll find "Change Icon..." then in the command line type ''shell32'' then you will be presented with a list of icons to choose from.

43.USEFULL WEBSITES:
Below is a small list of websites where you can get the latest drivers for your various hardware,It is well known that the latest Drivers for hardware will make Windows XP perform better and to be more compatible with you hardware.

GRAPHIC CARDS: NVIDIA ATI MATROX CARDS

CHIPSETS: INTEL VIA NFORCE SERIES SIS ALI ULI ATI SERIES

SOUND CARDS:SOUND BLASTER AUDIGY SERIES REALTEK AC97 SERIES

44.LEFT OVER TRACES: Unfortunately when you Uninstall an Application of some sort it will Leave traces of its self on your system namely Orphan files Registry keys but too keep an Operating System running efficiently these files should be removed.Luckily there are programs out there that will help you to get rid of these files. There is ''Registry Mechanic'' which is a powerful and safe way to remove rogue registry enteries you can download it from the link below as a trial period if you wish to carry on using it you have to register it. Now i will introduce you to ''Ccleaner'' and this is the program that removes needless files of all sorts from your computer including internet traces and such.
REGISTRY MECHNIC CCLEANER

45.HOW TO CHANGE YOUR DRIVE LETTER TO ''C'' This is a link to Post made by ''Z_ONE'' on how to Change your Drive to the letter ''C'' instead of it being the letter ''D'' and such: http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives...tml#post718704 Steps are as follows:

1.Log on as an Administrator.
2.Start Regedt32.exe.
3.Go to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\MountedDevices
4.Click MountedDevices.
5.On the Security menu, click Permissions.
6.Verify that Administrators have full control. Change this back when you are finished with these steps.
7.Quit Regedt32.exe, and then start Regedit.exe.
8.Locate the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\MountedDevices
9.Find the drive letter you want to change to (new). Look for "\DosDevices\C:".
10.Right-click \DosDevices\C:, and then click Rename. Note You must use Regedit instead of Regedt32 to rename this registry key.
11.Rename it to an unused drive letter "\DosDevices\Z:". This frees up drive letter C.
12.Find the drive letter you want changed. Look for "\DosDevices\D:".
13.Right-click \DosDevices\D:, and then click Rename.
14.Rename it to the appropriate (new) drive letter "\DosDevices\C:".
15.Click the value for \DosDevices\Z:, click Rename, and then name it back to "\DosDevices\D:".
16.Quit Regedit, and then start Regedt32.
17.Change the permissions back to the previous setting for Administrators (this should probably be Read Only).
18.Restart the computer.

46.HARDWARE PROFILES For optimal Boot-up times you should really have one boot-up profile and have it startup in the least amount of time possible. To do this right click on "My Computer" -> "Properties" -> "Hardware" tab -> "Hardware Profiles" and make sure you only have one hardware profile and choose "Select the first profile listed if I don't select a profile in..." and set the time to 0 seconds. This Step was submitted by "Z_ONE".

47.GETTING RID OF WINDOWS UPDATE VALIDATION These days when you try and get WINDOWS XP updates you have to go through a Validation process first, This is microsofts way to make sure that your Copy of WINDOWS is authentic and is also a way to crack down on Illegal copying. If you fail windows validation you are unable to get the updates, Just because you failed the validation doesnt mean you have an illegal copy of WINDOWS it can just mean that your licence has expired. So i hear you saying '' HOW DO I GET PAST THIS ?'', so i will now show you. After you have installed the ''Windows genuine validation'' ActiveX close all Open IE windows and then re-open just one. Then once you have IE open go to ''TOOLS'' then into ''MANAGE ADD-ONS'' then you will get another box pop up and in this box you will notice at the top there is a pop down menu, Click on the pop down menu and select '' ADD-ONS THAT HAVE BEEN USED BY INTERNET EXPLORER''. Once you have done that oyu should come up with another and most probably bigger list of ''ADD-ONS'', Now look down the list of ''ADD-ONS'' and look for one called '' WINDOWS GENUIN ADVANTAGE'' once you have clicked on that you will not that a greyed out option becomes active and from there you can select to ''ENABLE'' or ''DISABLE'' it, Of course you want to select ''DISABLE''. Onnce you have done that click on ''APPLY'' then ''O.K'' and close that current IE window and open a new one and then go back to the WINDOWS update site and it will now skip The validation process and you will have all yor updates open to you.

48.COULD ONE OF MY ''SVCHOST'' BE A VIRUS??? Now sometimes when you open up your ''TASK MANAGER'' by pressing Ctrl,alt,delete you will notice on the ''PROCESSES'' tab you may have up to 5 ''SVCHOST'' processes listed now these processes are used for loading up hardware drivers and other things that the operating system need but sometimes one of them can be a sneeky nasty virus, Now other than using an ''ANTI-SPYWARE'' or ''ANTIVIRUS'' program of some sort you may want to check exactly what each of these ''SVCHOST'' processes do. To do this go into your ''RUN'' command taskbar and type ''CMD'' once you have done that a Dos box will appear, in this box type ''tasklist /svc'' and this will give you a list of what each of your system processes do so just take a look at what your ''SVCHOST'' processes are doing.

49.USEFUL RUN COMMANDS Now when using the run command in the start bar you may wonder what different commands you can use...Below is a list off all different and very useful ones.

Accessibility Controls
access.cpl

Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz.cpl

Add/Remove Programs
appwiz.cpl

Administrative Tools
control admintools

Automatic Updates
wuaucpl.cpl

Bluetooth Transfer Wizard
fsquirt

Calculator
calc

Certificate Manager
certmgr.msc

Character Map
charmap

Check Disk Utility
chkdsk

Clipboard Viewer
clipbrd

Command Prompt
cmd

Component Services
dcomcnfg

Computer Management
compmgmt.msc

Date and Time Properties
timedate.cpl

DDE Shares
ddeshare

Device Manager
devmgmt.msc

Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*
directx.cpl

Direct X Troubleshooter
dxdiag

Disk Cleanup Utility
cleanmgr

Disk Defragment
dfrg.msc

Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc

Disk Partition Manager
diskpart

Display Properties
control desktop

Display Properties
desk.cpl

Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)
control color

Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility
drwtsn32

Driver Verifier Utility
verifier

Event Viewer
eventvwr.msc

File Signature Verification Tool
sigverif

Findfast
findfast.cpl

Folders Properties
control folders

Fonts
control fonts

Fonts Folder
fonts

Free Cell Card Game
freecell

Game Controllers
joy.cpl

Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)
gpedit.msc

Hearts Card Game
mshearts

Iexpress Wizard
iexpress

Indexing Service
ciadv.msc

Internet Properties
inetcpl.cpl

IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration) ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents) ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents) ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections) ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections) ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS) ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID) ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID) ipconfig /setclassid

Java Control Panel (If Installed)
jpicpl32.cpl

Java Control Panel (If Installed)
javaws

Keyboard Properties
control keyboard

Local Security Settings
secpol.msc

Local Users and Groups
lusrmgr.msc

Logs You Out Of Windows
logoff

Microsoft Chat
winchat

Minesweeper Game
winmine

Mouse Properties
control mouse

Mouse Properties
main.cpl

Network Connections
control netconnections

Network Connections
ncpa.cpl

Network Setup Wizard
netsetup.cpl

Notepad
notepad

Nview Desktop Manager
nvtuicpl.cpl

Object Packager
packager

ODBC Data Source Administrator
odbccp32.cpl

On Screen Keyboard osk

Opens AC3 Filter
ac3filter.cpl

Password Properties
password.cpl

Performance Monitor
perfmon.msc

Performance Monitor
perfmon

Phone and Modem Options
telephon.cpl

Power Configuration
powercfg.cpl

Printers and Faxes
control printers

Printers Folder
printers

Private Character Editor
eudcedit

Quicktime
QuickTime.cpl

Regional Settings
intl.cpl

Registry Editor
regedit

Registry Editor
regedit32

Remote Desktop
mstsc

Removable Storage
ntmsmgr.msc

Removable Storage Operator Requests
ntmsoprq.msc

Resultant Set of Policy (XP Pro)
rsop.msc

Scanners and Cameras
sticpl.cpl

Scheduled Tasks
control schedtasks

Security Center
wscui.cpl

Services
services.msc

Shared Folders
fsmgmt.msc

Shuts Down Windows
shutdown

Sounds and Audio
mmsys.cpl

Spider Solitare Card Game
spider

SQL Client Configuration
cliconfg

System Configuration Editor
sysedit

System Configuration Utility
msconfig

System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot) sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting) sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache) sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)
sfc /cachesize=x

System Properties
sysdm.cpl

Task Manager
taskmgr

Telnet Client
telnet

User Account Management
nusrmgr.cpl

Utility Manager
utilman

Windows Firewall
firewall.cpl

Windows Magnifier
magnify

Windows Management Infrastructure
wmimgmt.msc

Windows System Security Tool
syskey

Windows Update Launches
wupdmgr

Windows XP Tour Wizard
tourstart

Wordpad
writ

50.''INTEL HYPERTHREADING'' Can help make Applications in Windows XP run faster!!! With all the new Current INTEL CPU'S and some of the older ones there is a Feature called HYPERTHREADING which when enabled alows the CPU to execute two threads of the smae application to open it faster. Unfortunately HYPERTHREADING technonlogy is only currently supported in Windows XP. To make sure you can have INTEL HYPERTHREADING TECHNOLOGY enabled please check this FAQ: http://www.overclock.net/faqs/74989-...u-got-its.html

51.Installing Graphic card driver efficiently!!! When you Update your graphics cards drivers theres ways that you should go about it. Follow these simple steps below.

1.Download and install ''Driver Cleaner'' Here:
http://www.drivercleaner.net/professional.html
2.Uninstall your Current Display drivers such as your ''ATI'' or ''Nvidia'' drivers.
3.Now run ''Driver cleaner'' and depending on the Drivers you have you will have to select either ''ATI'' or ''Nvidia'' from the drop down menu. Only select the main title of the driver in the drop down such as just ''ATI'' or ''Nvidia''
4.Once you have selected Your driver click on the ''Start'' button and this will now start the driver cleaning process. ( Do this twice to be sure )
5.Now reboot your system and Download the latest Nvidia or ATI and go ahead and install them.

Doing this avoids driver corruption and conflicts so you can now enjoy smooth gameplay.

51.XP Definitive Performance Tweaking guide: Another Great Windows Optimizing FAQ/POST right here guys please give ''HotDog'' all the credit: http://www.overclock.net/windows/983...ing-guide.html

52. Resetting Folder File type Defaults: When your Folders start to open up with applications you may not want them too then heres a simple fix on how to restore there defaults.

1. Go into ''Control panel''

2. Locate the Icon Folder Options and double click on it.

3. Once you have entered go to the tab named ''File types''

4. You will not be presented with all the File types currently on your system and there association to other programs.

5. To change the specified ''File type'' to its default program association, Highlight the File type you wish to change and click the button ''Advanced'' As shown below



6. You will now be presented with another Window. Within here hit ''Set default '', When you do this it will set what the Default execution of the program will be for example ''Open'' as shown below.



Now If you wish to choose which application a File type responds to when its asked to open then do all the above to STEP 5

Once you have done that highlight the File extension you wish to change and then hit the button named ''Change''. From here you will be presented with a list of suitable programs that can be used to open that particular file extension. You are now free to choose any program you wish to use to open up that file extension. As shown in the 2 pictures below.



Changing program used :



53. Get Windows to recognize your L2 cache on your CPU properly

( Warning: Please back-up your registry before performing this step )

By default windows sets the L2 cache of your AMD to zero...yes...0

Here's how to get it runnin.

Go to ''Start>run'' (Windows key + R) then type in "Regedit"
(regedit32 for advanced users as it provides a few more strings to play with)

Once your here go to ''HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Cont ro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\SecondLevelDataCache''

Now ''Right-click'' and choose modify...select decimal and enter the value of your L2 cache on your CPU...128,256,512...ETC!!!!

Now restart your machine ...and while you may not notice dramatic effects Overclockers...most processes and applications should be a little quicker.

This step is By ''PROBN4LYFE''

54.Stop Cd's/Dvd's From AutoRunning when inserted into the Optical drives.

( Warning: Please back-up your registry before performing this step )

Now By defualt when you enter a CD or DVD data disk in an Optical Drive ( DVD/CDROM Drive ) Windows will automatically read it and will Execute the application automatically or will promp you with a Menu asking how you would like it to be opened. To stop it from doing this do the following :

1. Go to ''Start'' then ''Run'' and type ''REGEDIT'' and hit Enter on your keyboard
2. Once you have done this the Registry Editor Window will now Appear.
3. Now within the newly opened Window Guide yourself to '' HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / System / CurrentControlSet001 / Services / CDROM ''
4. Once here look for they Key named ''AutoRun'' on the left side of the Window.
5. Right click on ''AutoRun'' and select ''Modify'' and under ''Value Data'' put the digit ''0'' and click ok

There you have it. Your all Done.

CREDITS:

1. ''Z_ONE'' For his "How to change your hard drive letter to C:" , "HARDWARE PROFILES" FAQ'S
2.''HotDog'' For his ''XP Definitive Performance Tweaking guide'' FAQ/POST
3. ''PROBN4LYFE'' For his ''How to: Get Windows to recognize your L2 cache?!'' FAQ

REFERENCES:
49. Usefull run commands : http://www.fixmyxp.com/content/view/20/42/
39. SERVICES: From Trial and error and help From member ''Danm''

THIS IS AN ONGOING FAQ SO MORE IS TO COME ....ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED!!!

frostbite

nice continuation..helped me alot thanks

ENTERPRISE

cheers nice to know im helping

dex100

disable or set to manual? the service I mean?

ENTERPRISE

Well its safer to set it to ''Manual'' this is because ''Manual'' means that it wont be forced to start when you start up windows but will only be started when a program specifically requests it.

danm

great 2nd part aswell
nice work!

ENTERPRISE

Excellent..hope it helps

lynz

Cool nice guide, Speeded up my pc even more :P

fro_dave

I love the services disabling guide, I've wanted to do that for XP for awhile, always had my friend do it for me when i used 2000 cause I had little ram. Thanks!

lohoutlaw

Great guide. Works great. Had like 500mb free'd up. Great work.
Never had done something like this before