How to modify number of CPU core's enabled when Windows Vista or 7 boot

[EricTheRed]

Here is a small tip to help you how to modify the number of cores of a CPU to be activated when Windows Vista or 7 boots up. Here are five simple steps:

1. Go to Start, type "msconfig" in the search box and press Enter.
2. System Configuration utility windows should open up. Click on "Boot" tab and then click on "Advanced options" button.
3. Click on "Number of Processors" check box, and select the number of cores, depending on your processor (dual, tri or quad core CPU), in the below drop-down list.
4. Click on OK button to save the changes.
5. Click on OK button again to apply the changes.
6. You will get a window asking for your confirmation to restart the computer. Click on "Restart" button to confirm the same.

That's it!

[Dilbert]

I have Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 processor on my computer and my OS is Windows XP. Since my processor has 4 cores, most of the applications runs with all the 4 cores up and utilizing it. However it affects a lot when I play games online. Basically due to negotiation between all these cores, I notice fps loss during my game play. So I would like to ask if this will work on Windows XP computer also?

[EricTheRed]

Well I have not tried this on Windows XP but you can try out it and see if it works. Please note that Windows XP interface is different from Windows Vista or 7 and so you have to make some changes in the above steps.