How to optimize XP

Here are some tips to help you optimize the resources of windows.

Save and open the registry


Back up the registry

Open the Registry Editor

Clean RAM

Forcing Windows to download the RAM file systems that no longer need:
Select the key

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer
  
• Create a new value chain: Edit menu> New> DWORD Value, and name this value AlwaysUnloadDll, and then give it value as 1

Quick

When an application or service freezes Windows takes its time to close it and inform you.

To accelerate the process of closure of applications:

Select this key

Code:

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop

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• Then on the right pane, find the value chain "WaitToKillAppTimeout" and give him the value of 5000
  
  
  • The 5000 is the necessary time, in milliseconds, before forcing the closure of the application.
  
  
• Do the same for the value chain "HungAppTimeout"
  
• Create a new value chain and give it the name "AutoEndTasks", then give it value 1
  

To accelerate the process of closure of services:

• Select the key
  
  
  
  Code:

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  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control

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• Create a new value chain: Edit menu> New> DWORD Value, and name this WaitToKillServiceTimeout value, then give it as a value in 5000
  
  • The 5000 is the necessary time, in milliseconds, before forcing the closure of the service.
  
  

The time you choose for the closure of applications and services should be selected so that you do not rush your PC during the closure. Choose a time near zero is "equivalent" to use the power button to shut down your PC. We must allow time for applications to save their settings before closing. If necessary, choose a great value.

Accelerate the disk access
The disk cache speeds up access to hard drives. Increase its size if you have more than 512 MB of RAM.

• Select the key
  
  Code:

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  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Session Manager \ Memory Management

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• Enter 1 in the value "LargeSystemCache"
  

Loading system files into RAM

RAM is faster than the hard disk. Therefore, use the hard drive as virtual memory may slow down your PC. To speed up Windows by blocking the loading of system files in the virtual memory:

• Select the key
  
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Session Manager \ Memory Management
  
• Enter 1 in the value "DisablePagingExecutive"
  

Autostart

• Open the System Configuration Utility:
  
  
  • Do: Start ==> Run ==> type msconfig
  
  
• Then go to the Startup tab, uncheck the programs that seem unnecessary to start your PC. This will not prevent programs from running when you need it, but will allow your PC to start faster.
  

Do not hesitate, you can restart the utility to reactivate an unchecked by mistake.

Defragment automatically

Two solutions:

1.a \ Creating a new scheduled task:

• Click Start ==> All Programs ==> Accessories ==> System Tools and select "Scheduled Tasks" to open the Task Scheduler.
• Then, click Next and then browse and go to Windows ==> System32 ==> Defrag.exe. Finally, click on the Open button.
• Let us guide you to plan your work.

1.b \ Creating a command file:

• Open Notepad and type this in:
  
  Code:

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  defrag c

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• Give the file name defragmenter.bat
• Select All files in Type.
• Save the file to your desktop.
• Drag the icon on the button "start" and, without releasing the mouse, point "all programs" then "Start"
• Place the file in the list that appears.

C: drive will be defragmented whenever you start Windows.

Improve the DNS

• Always with the Registry Editor locate this key
  
  Code:

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  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Services \ Dnscache \ Parameters

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• Then do Edit ==> New ==> DWORD and name it CacheHashTableBucketSize
• Give it as a value 1
• Then create a new DWORD value and name it "CacheHashTableSize"
• Give it as a value 384
• Create a last DWORD value and name it "MaxSOACacheEntryTtlLimit"
• Give it to 12d

Hey!
There are some more ways in optimizing Windows XP with respect with to hardware and software which i would like to post here. Well this includes Hardware settings in the BIOS and Software settings regarding the hardware from within Windows. Well here it is :

1) BIOS Settings

Disable unused hardware devices from the BIOS like : Floppy Drive Controller, Serial Ports and Parallel Ports. Make sure to disable only those that you never use and do not screw the system.

2) Removing Device Driver for Unsed Devices:

First open command prompt and type in the following codes :

Code:

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Set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices = 1

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Now type the following code :

Code:

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devmgmt.msc

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Now the Device Manager Window will be opened. Then expand each section and you will see some devices which would be faded just like hidden files are shown. You can delete those drivers.

3) Software :

Uninstall programs which are not necessary.

4) Registry Cleaning :

Use registry cleaner softwares to keep your registry clean.

5) Windows Services :

Disable unwanted windows services. These make windows startup time consuming... But make sure you know what you are doing...

6) Antivirus :

Buy a complete Antivirus Pack which includes Antivirus, Antispyware, Antimalware.

7) Degramentation :

Defragment you disk drives regularly to get optimal disk performance.

All the best...!