Tips For Speeding Up Windows XP - Without Utilizing Defrag

If you're still relying on 'Defrag' to improve system performance, you are behind the times. Defragmenting is the process of reorganizing all files on a hard drive so that each file is arranged into a single uninterrupted or contiguous location on the disk. Many system builders and technicians still believe that defragmenting a hard drive on a regular basis will keep a machine operating at peak performance. That was true with older PCs, but today we have 7200 rotations per minute disk drives with improved seek and latency times; many contain an 8MB cache buffer. For today's machines, defragmentation no longer has a big impact on system performance.

Defragmenting is still an important task. Excess power consumption and over heating can directly relate to a fragmented hard drive. If a file is not contiguous when the computer's operating system requests it, extra seeking on the disk is required. More importantly, if a hard drive crashes, the likelihood of successfully recovering data from the damaged drive improves greatly if the data is contiguous rather than fragmented. Defrag just doesn't cut it anymore when it comes to speeding up a PC.

The following tips will improve system performance on any PC running Windows XP and some will improve system security as well:

(Note - If your computer is on a Local Area Network or LAN at your business or you have a laptop that is at times on a workplace LAN, don't change ANY configuration settings without approval from your Network Administrator).

Before you begin, do a backup of your essential data

For details on performing a proper backup in Windows XP, go to Microsoft.com and enter 'Backup Windows XP' in the search bar.

There are a few basic system attributes that may need to be adjusted so that the system will allow you to make necessary changes:

I. Make sure that you're logged on to your machine as an 'Administrator'

II. Make sure that you can properly navigate 'System Files'-

Open any folder and go to 'Tools' > 'Folder Options...' > 'View'

Under 'Advanced Settings' make sure that the following boxes are checked:

'Display the contents of system folders'

'Show hidden files and folders'

Make sure that the following boxes are NOT checked:

'Hide extensions for known file types'

'Hide protected operating system files'

III. Enable the 'Run' feature in the 'Start' menu

Hit the 'Start' button. If 'Run...' is not visible in the 'Start' menu do the following:

'Right-click' on the 'Task Bar'. Go to 'Properties' > 'Start Menu'

If 'Start menu' is selected, select and utilize 'Classic start menu' instead.

(Many viruses replace the 'Folder.htt' file utilized by the Windows XP 'Start Menu' with a corrupt VBScript. Once infected, each time you utilize Windows Explorer to view a folder you will execute a virus that will dramatically slow down your machine.)

After selecting 'Classic start menu' hit 'Apply' then go to 'Customize...' and make sure that the 'Display Run' box is checked.

Now, let's crank it up!

Eliminate all spyware

Utilize free programs such as AdAware by Lavasoft and SpyBot Search & Destroy by Safer Networking. Once these programs are installed, make sure that there aren't any items listed or checked in the 'Ignore' section. Be sure to check for and download updates before starting a scan.

Run a complete virus scan

Update your anti-virus software and run a complete system virus scan. Many viruses are designed for the sole purpose of draining system resources. Make sure that you only have one anti-virus software package installed. Unlike anti-Spyware programs, mixing anti-virus software is a sure-fire way to spell disaster for system performance and reliability.

Run 'Disk Cleanup'

Open 'My Computer' from the desktop. 'Right-click' on your main hard drive, (usually 'C:'). Select 'Properties' and press 'Disk cleanup'. Allow it to run. Once finished, the 'Files to delete' window will show the file categories on the disk that can be deleted or compressed. Check the boxes by those that you don't need and press 'OK'.

Check each hard drive with 'scandisk'

With time and heavy use, data and physical problems can develop that drastically decrease system performance. Defragmenting the drive can help, but there are other issues such as lost clusters and bad sectors that the defragmentation utility cannot touch. It's a good idea to run XP's built in error checking utility on your drives every 2-3 months. This utility will scan your disks for errors and optionally attempt to correct them.

Open 'My Computer' from the desktop. 'Right-click' on your main hard drive, (usually 'C:'). Select 'properties' then 'tools' and under 'error checking' select 'check now...'. Check both 'Automatically fix file system errors' and 'Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors'. Restart your machine. 'Scandisk' will run during startup and can take a while depending on the size of your drive.

Clean out your 'Temporary Internet Files' and 'Cookies' folder

'Start' > 'Settings' > 'Control Panel' > 'Internet Options'

Select 'Delete Cookies...'. When the confirmation window appears, press 'OK'.

Select 'Delete Files...'. When the confirmation window appears, check 'Delete all offline content' and press 'OK'. (If you checked the 'Temporary Internet Files' box during 'Disk Cleanup' this should only take a second or two.)

Change 'Days to keep pages in history:' to 0. If you visit certain Web sites on a regular basis, add them to your 'Favorites'. Don't utilize 'History' to keep track of frequently visited sites.

Press 'OK'.

Eliminate programs that run during startup

Preventing programs from running at startup can be frustrating because there is no single location from which to stop them all. Some programs run because they're in the 'Startup' folder, others because they're attached to logon scripts. Others run due to Registry settings. With a little determination and persistence, you will be able to prevent unnecessary programs from running during startup.

Clean out your 'Startup' folder

C:Documents and Settings'your username'Start MenuProgramsStartup

Delete 'shortcuts' to unnecessary programs that run during startup. (You can also remove startup 'shortcuts' by going to 'Start' > 'Programs' > 'Startup', then 'right-clicking' on and deleting the 'shortcuts' you want to remove).

(Note - You can prevent all programs in your 'Startup' folder from running by holding down the 'Shift' key during startup. The items will still remain in the 'Startup' folder, however, and they will start the next time you boot).

Clean out your 'Scheduled Tasks' folder

C:WindowsTasks

Delete the 'shortcuts' to programs that you don't want to run automatically on a schedule.

Utilizing the 'System Configuration Utility'

The above steps will prevent most obvious programs from running during startup, but others are hidden. To view these programs, go to 'Start' > 'Run...' type 'msconfig' and press 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. You are now utilizing the 'System Configuration Utility'. Go to the 'Startup' tab and you will see the hidden programs that run during startup.

None of these programs are needed for Windows XP to startup properly. You do, however, want your anti-virus software and certain programs that your machine utilizes such as touchpad, graphics, audio and networking drivers to run during startup. This is where persistence pays off. Many times these programs aren't clearly marked. To identify one of these programs, go to 'Start' > 'Search' > 'For files and folders' > 'All files and folders'. Then select 'More advanced options' and make sure that 'Search system folders', 'Search hidden files and folders' and 'Search subfolders' are all checked. Then type the name of the unidentifiable program, ('SHSTAT', for example), then press 'Search'.

Once the program shows up in the 'Search Results' window, press 'STOP'. Then 'Right-click' on the program and select 'Open Containing Folder'. Now you are in the program's directory and should be able to identify it by reading the address bar. 'SHSTAT' resides in my ' C:Program FilesNetwork AssociatesVirusScan' folder, therefore, I want it to run during startup. 'Msmsgs', on the other hand, resides in my 'C:Program FilesMessenger' folder. I never use the Microsoft Instant Messenger, therefore, I would uncheck it in the 'System Configuration Utility'. Once you have unchecked each program that you don't want to run during startup, press 'Apply' then 'Close' and select 'Restart'. After startup you will receive a 'System Configuration Utility' message stating, "You have used the System Configuration Utility to make changes to the way Windows starts." Simply check 'Don't show this message...' then select 'OK'. I realize that this is a borderline ridiculous process, but until Microsoft comes up with a better way to modify hidden startup programs... oh well.

Eliminate services that run during startup

Constantly running processes that help the operating system run or that provide support to other applications are known as 'services'. Many 'services' launch automatically at startup and constantly run in the background. While you need many of them, some are not required and they can slow down your system.

To view 'services' go to 'Start' > 'Run' and type 'services.msc' then press 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. To stop a 'service' from running during startup, 'Right-click' on the 'service' and select 'Properties'. Change 'Startup type:' to 'Manual' and press 'Apply'. Then press 'Stop'. The following are some of the common services that can be prevented from running during startup:

- Portable Media Serial Number Service

- Removable Storage

- Task Scheduler Service - Schedules unattended tasks to be run. If you don't schedule any unattended tasks, turn it off.

- Uninterruptible Power Supply Service - Manages an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) connected to your PC. If you don't utilize one, turn it off.

- Wireless Zero Configuration Service - only if you don't utilize a wireless internet connection.

- Telnet - (Certain versions of Windows XP Pro only) Unless you're a 'hacker'. Then you probably wouldn't be reading this article. Instead of changing 'Telnet' to 'Manual', go ahead and select 'Disable'.

Disable 'file indexing'

The 'Indexing service' extracts information from documents and other files on the hard drive and creates a "searchable keyword index." As you can imagine, this process can be quite taxing on any system.

The idea is that the user can search for a word, phrase, or property inside of any document or file. Windows XP's built-in search functionality can still perform these searches without the Indexing service. It just takes longer.

Open 'My Computer' from the desktop. 'Right-click' on your main hard drive, (usually 'C:'). Select 'Properties'. Uncheck 'Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching'. Then select 'Apply changes to C:, subfolders and files', then select 'OK'. If a warning or error message appears (such as 'Access is denied'), select the 'Ignore All button'.

Enable 'DMA' for each hard drive

'Start'>'Settings'>'Control Panel'>'Administrative Tools'>'Computer Management'>'Device Manager'

'Double-click' on the 'IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers device' and ensure that 'DMA', (Direct Memory Access), is enabled for each drive connected to the Primary and Secondary controller. Do this by double-clicking on 'Primary IDE Channel'. Select the 'Advanced Settings' tab. Ensure the Transfer Mode is set to 'DMA if available' for both Device 0 and Device 1. Repeat this process with the Secondary IDE Channel.

Turn off unnecessary animations

'Start'>'Settings'>'Control Panel'>'System'>'Advanced'

Windows XP offers many settings related animated icons, fonts, window displays, etc. When enabled these features utilize valuable system resources. under 'Performance' select 'Settings' then select 'Adjust for best performance'.

Eliminate unnecessary 'fonts'

C:WINDOWSFonts

The more fonts you have installed, the slower your system will become. While Windows XP handles fonts much more efficiently than previous versions of Windows, too many fonts, anything over 500, will noticeably tax your system.

Speedup Windows Explorer

Every time you open a folder there is a delay before the folder's content appears. Windows XP automatically searches for network files and printers every time you open Windows Explorer. To correct this and to significantly increase browsing speed open 'My Computer' from the desktop. Select 'Tools' then 'Folder Options'. Select 'View' and uncheck 'Automatically search for network folders and printers'. Select 'Apply' then 'OK' and restart your machine.

Optimize Your 'Pagefile'

If you assign a 'fixed' file size to your 'pagefile' the operating system no longer needs to resize it to fulfill memory needs.

Windows XP sizes the 'pagefile' to about 1.5x the amount of actual physical memory by default. This is fine for systems with smaller amounts of memory, (under 512MB). If you have less than 512MB of memory, leave the 'pagefile' at its default size. If you have 512MB or more, change the 'pagefile' size ratio to 1:1.

'Right-click' on 'My Computer' from the desktop and select 'Properties' > 'Advanced'. Under 'Performance' choose 'Settings' > 'Advanced' > 'Virtual Memory' > 'Change'. Highlight the drive containing your page file, (usually 'C:'), and make the 'Initial size' of the file the same as the 'Maximum size' of the file. Then select 'Set' > 'OK' > 'OK' > 'OK'. Restart your machine.


Source: http://goo.gl/6qstK

Basic Computer Optimization - Make the Computer Always Run at Top Speed

We know that computers are the same as human beings which need to be taken good care of in order to run properly. That is, regular optimizations are needed for a computer so as to always run at top speed.

1) Optimize files/ programs on the computer. When you first bought the computer, it always comes with some installed programs. During the usage of computer, you will inevitably install programs, PC games on the computer. These programs on the computer will take up hard disk space. So when involving to computer optimization, what you need to do first is to go to Start -> Control Panel -> Add /Remove Programs to uninstall the programs that you do not need. Besides, a cleanup of the TEMP files with the built-in Disk Cleanup utility is still needed. All of this will make the computer run faster.

2) Optimize startup items. Normally, Microsoft will take a unilateral decision to start some services that do not need by lots of PC users. Besides, when installing programs on the computer, some will automatically add entries to run at windows startup. Though each takes a few system resources and memory, it will be a large amount if accumulated together. This will greatly slow down a computer. So an optimization on the startup items is urgently needed to make computer run at top speed: go to "Start" ->Run ->use the "msconfig" to access System Configuration Utility, and then disable the services /programs that do not need to automatically run within Services /Startup tab.

3) Optimize file-accessing speed. It needs to be mentioned that, when booting up the computer or running programs, the system will call for some related data from the computer. If the files on the computer are put in order as the closes that we put in our wardrobe, it will be easy to be reached to. So to make computer run faster, you have to run the Disk Defragmenter regularly to increase file-accessing speed: just go to "Start"-> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools and then run Disk Defragmenter. It is recommended that you should defragment your computer regularly, especially after each large downloading, file creation or deletion.

4) Optimize Windows registry. No matter what program you install on the computer, it will add some registry entries into windows registry so as to make sure a proper running. But when uninstalling programs, some will leave some useless registry items /abandoned code in the registry. This will increase the difficulty to quickly start up the computer. So to make the computer run at top speed, it is necessary to always optimize windows registry to ensure a compact and easier-to-be-accessed registry.


Source: http://goo.gl/tIzZa

What Is PC Screen Freeze ?

Everybody who has ever used Windows driven PC will know that moment when the screen, and seemingly everything else, ‘freezes’.

All of a sudden you can’t move your mouse cursor, close programs or windows, or basically do anything at all, other than sit and look at a totally immobile display panel!

Everything on the screen is frozen in its current condition, so what do you do now?

Well, the first thing to do is to try being patient, waiting a few seconds to see what actually happens. Often, such a freeze is a temporary thing and everything will start functioning again in a perfectly normal manner in a few short moments.

If that doesn’t work, then you need to move to ‘plan B’ but, before we consider what that might be, lets look at what actually causes your PC screen to freeze up so dramatically in the first place.


source: http://bit.ly/aufwvw

Easy PC Optimization with TuneUp Utilities 2009

There is nothing can go wrong if you use the latest version of TuneUp Utilities .The program does effective job of system optimization to make your PC more smoothly, run faster, and less problems. TuneUp Utilities 2009 includes a driver defragmenter, a Windows Registry cleaner, startup optimizer, an overall speed optimizer, and many others comprehensive tools.

The software navigations are nicely organized, with their considerable features in easy reach. You can manually select between different optimization options or you can just use TuneUp 1-Click Maintenance for easy optimizations.

Even if you think you have already optimized your PC to full performance, you will probably find some leak and weaknesses in your system. The Quick Optimization feature identifies some software I didn’t even realize ran during system startup. TuneUp Utilities 2009 capable to stop these softwares from running automatically, and this result a faster startup and less memory usage.

TuneUp Utilities 2009 also include an excellent Rescue Centre that able to undo any changes the program makes to your PC. It also provides access to System Restore.

Although there many program out there that provide the same functionalities, but none of it does everything and need to install separate utilities for certain functions. For only $49.95 for 3 PCs protection, this program is definitely worth to buy.

Source:-technologytricks.com

Free support for Windows Vista service pack issues

"Support for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 will end on July 11, 2011. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, upgrade to Windows 7 or update Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2)."

Free support is also available from the Microsoft Answers community where you can search for answers or ask other users specific questions. Click the following link to visit the Microsoft Answers Forums: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistawu/threads

Our continuing mission with Support 4 Vista is to create a constant flow of good, useful Windows Vista support information. We're working hard to keep you informed of the latest changes and fixes in the Vista operating system. Our growing database of searchable Vista support material makes this site a valuable bookmark for future reference.

Typically, when you visit you can expect to find the following Vista support information:

• Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section has many of the current solutions to reported problems found in this new Windows release.

• There are many of you that have a burning desire to tweak the operating system to their liking, so we've added a Vista Tips, Tricks and Tweaks section to satisfy those creative juices.

• More indepth and relevant articles from outside sources are made available here at Support 4Vista's Articles section.

• Our Vista Tutorials section has many of the common Windows Vista tasks in focus.

• Try these Free Help Forums. There are many friendly Moderators on staff to assist you.

• Get your daily security fix here at Support4Vista's Security Center.
  

How to maintain a Fast and Stable Computer through Optimization

Many people forget to optimize their computer and then they experience problems such as: slow start-up, crashes, errors, blue screens of death etc. until their computers become a complete pain to use.

If you are regularly experiencing any of the above mentioned problems it means your computer also definitely needs some optimization.

But let's first look at why computer optimization is so important. I will try to explain this is very common language so even the readers without much IT knowledge can understand.

Your operating system, Windows contains a large database called the registry. This database contains all the necessary information so Windows knows where all the system files, user files, settings etc. are located. The problem is Windows does not automatically optimize this database. Every time you turn on your computer new information is added to the registry, but it is barely ever removed. Therefore the longer you use your PC the more full the registry becomes. And even if a program or file is uninstalled or modified lots of information is left over in the registry. This left over unnecessary information is called corrupt or invalid registry keys.

And these invalid and corrupt registry keys are the ones responsible for the mentioned problems your computer is experiencing. The old invalid keys "confuse" your computer resulting in errors and slow-downs.

This means it is absolutely essential to keep your registry optimized. But how? Well it is easier than you probably think.

For this purpose special programs called Registry Cleaners or Registry Optimizers are developed. They are programmed to scan the registry in your computer and to delete/fix/modify all the corrupt and invalid registry keys that formed in your registry over the time. These programs are programmed so everyone can use them, all you have to do is press one button and the program does everything automatically.

There are thousands of Registry cleaners on the market and some are complete scams which harm your computer more than they help. Therefore don't purchase the first Registry Cleaner you find! They all promise the same but only few of them actually live up to their promises.

It is very important that you read a trustworthy review before purchasing any Registry Cleaner.

Fixing the Boot Speed on Your Slow Windows 7 PC

There can be several reasons that why is Windows 7 loading slow in your computer. Most prominent causes of such start up delays in this operating system are related to the internal settings of the Windows and some other registry related errors. To fix this problem, you may need minor tweaks which are elaborated in the following steps:

Step-1: As we know there is a way to check the event information in Windows 7, we can identify the programs/services causing our computer to slow down while starting up. There is a simple way to check the events log in Windows 7.

It is given here:
Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer

Now:
Event Viewer > Click on Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows

Under the List, Continue in the following way:
Windows > Diagnostics-Performance > Operational > > Now Click on Event ID 100

A pop up Window will appear which will tell the basic Windows 7 boot information. You can check out the normal Windows 7 boot time through this process.

There are other errors as well inside the Operational option. These errors display information which service/program is causing Windows 7 to boot slow.

If your Windows 7 is loading slow then you should disable some start up items and also turn-off the unnecessary Windows services. Also it is of extreme importance that you repair and clean the Windows 7 registry, defrag it and clean the system junk through a good PC optimization and registry cleaning tool.

Here are listed solutions and some prominent causes which make Windows 7 to load slow:

• Using more than one antivirus program. If you are using two antivirus programs at the same time then it is highly likely that your system will boot slow.
• Too many programs starting with the Windows start up. If there are too many programs that start when your computer starts, then you will notice Windows 7 loading slow. You can disable some of the programs through typing "msconfig" in the search/run bar. Make it sure you are not turning off crucial Windows services. For ease of use you can simply disable programs through a PC Optimizer and Windows 7 start up manager tool.
• Increase Number of Processors: This simple step is also known to effective deal with the Windows 7 loading slow. You can increase the number of processors in the following way:
• Start > Run/Search > Type Msconfig > Boot > Advanced Options > Click Number of Processors and choose a higher value such as 2 or 3.
• Another way to reduce Windows 7 load time is to clean and repair the Windows 7 registry through a good Registry repairing tool.
• Defrag Windows 7 registry: Defragmentation is the process of reorganizing the registry data in a way that it is easy for programs to start faster by rapidly accessing the organized registry keys.

The above guidelines will surely help you if your Windows 7 is loading slow. You can defrag Windows 7 registry, repair and clean the corruption in registry and erase system and browser junk through this best PC optimization software named RegInOut. The Intel Software Partner, RegInOut is found best to fix slow loading in Windows 7 and as well as to speed up computer.