* Preformance Tuning and Services *

[iseedeadwood]

* Performance Tuning and Services *

*** Performance Tuning ***

[Check back now and again, stuff may be added and/or modified]
~ These may only work with Windows XP ~

[feel free to copy and save (and print) anything thing you want]

Tweaking Precautions:
Although all of the Tweaks and tips mentioned have been tested,
if a step is accidentally missed or a typo made, your computer could
experience problems. To make sure that your computer is protected,
I highly recommend that you use the Windows XP system restore feature.
~ iseedeadwood

Windows XP system restore is a great program that monitors all of the changes to your computer. If you make a change to the system registry, you can always undo the change by reverting to an earlier system restore point. If you are making a lot of changes to your computer, it is a good idea to create a restore point before every computer modification. The following two sections will show you how to use system restore to create a restore point, and how to restore your computer to an earlier checkpoint.

Creating a System Restore restore point:

1. Click the Start button, expand All Programs, Accessories, and System Tools,
and select System Restore.
2. When System Restore loads, select Create a Restore Point and click Next.
3. Type in a short description for the checkpoint in the box and click Create.
4. Once the restore point is created, just hit Close.


Restoring your computer to an earlier restore point:

1. Click the Start button, expand All Programs, Accessories,
and System Tools, and selectSystem Restore.
2. When System Restore loads,
select Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time and click Next.
3. Browse through the calendar and select the restore point that you want
your computer to revert to and click Next.
4. The Confirm Restore Point Selection screen will be displayed.
Click Next to proceed. Keep in mind that you may lose any files
that were created when you revert to an earlier restore point.
Make backup copies of important documents and files on a floppy
or network drive of important documents just in case.

Once you click Next, your computer will reboot and revert to the earlier restore point.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Tweaks:

1. Open Internet Options - under the General tab in the Temporary Intenet files section,
select the Settings button.

Select "Every visit to the page" and set the amount of disk space to use:
to no more than 100-1000MB. Now select the Connections tab and
select LAN Settings, make sure EVERYTHING there is unchecked and select OK.


2. In Internet Options - select the Privacy tab and choose Advanced,
check the box "Override automatic cookie handling" and
for First-party Cookies > Accept,
Third-party Cookies > Block and check "Always allow session cookies".
~ Now, NO MORE SPYWARE COOKIES.


3. By default Windows XP caches everything in the DNS cache service,
both correct and faulty DNS lookups. To increase performance by
eliminating the caching of faulty DNS lookups,change the following values
from whatever their original values are to zero.
~ Use Hexadecimal base values.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
\Dnscache\Parameters

NegativeCacheTime REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
NetFailureCacheTime REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
NegativeSOACacheTime REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)


4. This tweak will help web pages load faster, it has no real effect on download
speeds, your pc will look up websites faster, speeding up how fast the page loads.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
\Tcpip\ServiceProvider

On the right > change these entries: (ALL values are HEXIDECIMAL)

Class REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
DnsPriority REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
HostsPriority REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
LocalPriority REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
NetbtPriority REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)

[note: there seems to be some debate about these settings(I haven't had any problems)
but you can go here > http://www.speedguide.net/read_articles.php?id=1130
to check SpeedGuide's "Host Resolution Priority Tweak"] ~ Thanks Cholla


Increase the size of the DNS cache

Expand the branches to;
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
\Dnscache\Parameters

Add the following four DWORD values
by going to Edit > New> DWORD Value.
Enter the numeric values specified by double-clicking
and selecting the Decimal option:

CacheHashTableBucketSize set to 1
CacheHashTableSize set to 384
MaxCacheEntryTtlLimit set to 64000
MaxSOACacheEntryTtlLimit set to 301

Remember, these are Decimal values (not Hexadecimal values)
[Always restart Windows for changes to take effect]


5. Optimize L2 Cache Detection
Note: Change the setting depending on the L2 Cache of your CPU.
If you dont know the L2 cache of your CPU,
use a freeware program like CPU-Z http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Hexadecimal
8192 KB = 00002000
4096 KB = 00001000
2048 KB = 00000800
1024 KB = 00000400
512 KB = 00000200 < mine*
256 KB = 00000100

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
\Session Manager\Memory Management
*SecondLevelDataCache REG_DWORD 0x00000200 (512)


6. Increase IoPageLockLimit - This value, in bytes, specifies
the maximum amount of memory that can be used for input/output
operations. The default value is 512 KB (524,288 bytes),
but increasing it should improve performance.
This value is specified in bytes (not MB)
and must be entered in Hexadecimal mode.*

Recommended values, based on the amount of memory (RAM) in your system.

*256 MB RAM REG_DWORD 0x10485760 (10 MB)
more than 512 MB RAM REG_DWORD 0x41943040 (40 MB)

*When editing DWORD Values in the Registry, you can
choose the Base to use (Hexadecimal or Decimal).
If you use the incorrect base, the value you type will have a different meaning.
[for values of 9 or smaller, this option won't make any difference]
Use HEXADECIMAL here

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

IoPageLockLimit REG_DWORD 0x10485760 (273176416)*


7. Improve Core System Performance
WARNING: Requires at least 512 MB RAM!

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

DisablePagingExecutive REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)


8. Force Windows to Unload DLLs from Memory (very useful)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AlwaysUnloadDLL

Name Type Data
(Default) REG_SZ 1


9. Disable sticky keys (Pop ups) from pressing shift key several times,
- use if don't like Windows popping up while your doing something else - like gaming!

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\StickyKeys

Flags REG_SZ 506


10. Max your Internet simultaneous downloads to 20 or ( 8 ) (default is 2)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Internet Settings

MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server REG_DWORD 0x00000014 (20) or ( 8 )
MaxConnectionsPerServer REG_DWORD 0x00000014 (20) or ( 8 )


***Applying Registry tweaks assumes you have some proficiency in editing the Windows Registry using Regedit (Start > Run > type: regedit). As always, backup(export keys to some ReGBackUp folder you can create in 'My Documents') before making any changes so you can go back to previous states if you don't like the results.
WARNING: Don't do all the Registry tweaks at once, try one or two, then restart your computer and see how things are running.

***Remember: When installing New Programs ~ close all applications running, including your browser, Anti-Virus and SpyWare programs, there is a reason the installer reminds you to do this! . . .and it's a good idea to run a defrag after installing Programs ~ so all your Program files can stay together ~ this is a must for faster loading performance.

 

[iseedeadwood]

* Performance Tuning and Services *

I can see this may take a few post, well are you ready? Ok lets begin:classic2:

*** Services ***

Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services.
{Services manager will be shown here}

From here you can activate or deactivate the services that run on your PC.
A lot are useless, but some of them are 100% necessary for the system to start.
By deactivating some of them, you can get better overall performance, more available resources
and free more RAM.

This is a list with Windows XP services that are running in the background along with their description and my recommended settings. You can right-click and click "Properties" on every service.

[If your not comfortable DISABLING some services, just set them to Manual ~ after you re-start your computer go back to Services and see which ones are started after setting them to manual ~ you could just leave them on Manual or set to Automatic ~ but remember; some services depend on other services, you can check those also, while in "Properties" under "Dependencies".]

[Don't use by default my recommended settings; read all the explanations first.]

Alerter (DISABLE) - Announces users of administrative alerts. - Useless.

Application Layer Gateway Service (YOUR CHOICE/Manual/Automatic)
- Used for Assign Publish and Remove software services(Plug-ins).
On manual, it will start only if needed.

Automatic Updates (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic or DISABLE) - Useless.
Goto windowsupadate.microsoft.com for any updates.

Backgroud Intelligent Transfer Service (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic/Manual)
- Idle network bandwidth data transfer with http 1.1 servers. . .needed for Windows Update.

ClipBook (DISABLE) - Used to store information (cut/copy/paste) and share them
with other PCs. Usually useless. [it has nothing to do with cut/copy/paste, etc. with Edit functions]

COM+ Event System (DISABLE/Manual) - There are almost no apps that use COM+,
but on manual it will start if needed.

COM+ System Application (DISABLE/Manual) - Same as above.

(Computer Browser (DISABLE) - A list with network computers. This service is not required for a stand-alone system. (If you wanna share files, it must be started.)

Cryptographic Services (YOUR CHOICE/DISABLE/Automatic) - Confirms the signatures
of the files in Windows. ...for certification warnings, but it does not effect system stability.

DHCP Client (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic) - Gets a dynamic IP from your DHCP server.
If you have a static IP (an IP that does not change) you can disable this service. If you use cable modems, leave it be activated. Mine's on Automatic. [for on-line gaming]

Distributed Link Tracking (DISABLE) - Maintains links with NTFS files in your PC or a domain. Usually not required.

Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DISABLE) - Takes care of the transactions that require multiple resources. Windows works without this one, too.

DNS Client (Automatic) - Takes care of DNS names and control functions
of the Active Directory domain. Needed for online. Leave it on.

Error Reporting Service (DISABLE) - Calls home to Microsoft when errors occur.
LOL; disable it.

Event log (Automatic) - This allows Event Log messages from the applications
to be seen in Event Viewer. This should be on; Windows can get very upset if it's turned off.

Fast User Switching Compatibility (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic) - Disable it to get
win2k logon window.

Fax Service (DISABLE) - Not installed by default, so leave it that way.

(FTP Publishing Service (DISABLE) - Used for having a FTP server on your network.
(Activate it only if you really need it.)

Help and Support (DISABLE) - Resource eater. Disable it. It will still auto-activate
if you access Start->Help or press F1.

HID Input (Human Interface Device Access) (DISABLE) - If any of your peripherals
don't work, leave it on. If all's ok, disable.

(IIS Admin (DISABLE) - Usually used with a local web server of ftp.)

HTTP SSL (Secure Socket Layer) (AUTOMATIC) - Allows HTTPS
- needed for secure site accounts.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service (DISABLE/Manual) - Used to "burn" CDs.
Use Nero or A120% instead.

Indexing Service (DISABLE) - Super resource eater. Disable it.

Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing (MANUAL)
- If you have shared internet access or shared files, leave it on, else off or manual.

ISPEC Services (DISABLE) - Enabled only for security-obsessed people.

Logical Disk Manager (MANUAL) - vital to run Disk Management MMC dynamic volume console.
Useless otherwise.

Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service (DISABLE/MANUAL) - Same as above.

(Message Queuing (DISABLE) - Not installed. Let it stay that way.)

(Message Queuing Triggers (DISABLE) - Same as above.)

Messenger (DISABLE) - Send messages between clients and servers. I don't use or need it.
(it's not the same as Windows MSN Messenger, so don't worry)

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider (DISABLE) - Used with Volume Shadow Copy Service.

Net Login (DISABLE) - Used to login to a Domain Controller.

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (DISABLE) - Security bug. Leave it disabled.

Network Connections (Automatic) - *Required for network setup.

Network DDE (DISABLE) - Don't activate it if you don't use the clipbook service.

Network DDE DSDM (DISABLE) - Same as above.

Network Location Awareness (NLA) (AUTOMATIC)
- Used with Internet Connection Sharing.

NT LM Security Support Provider (DISABLE) - Not necessary
unless you use Message Queuing or a Telnet server.

Network Provisioning (Manual) - Manages XML files.

Performance Logs and Alerts (YOUR CHOICE/DISABLE or AUTOMATIC)
- Gathers various performance info and logs it or activates an alert.
(Leave it on Auto if your like me and like to double check it once in awhile.)

Plug and Play (AUTOMATIC) - If you change any components, this service will detect it (theoretically).

Portable Media Serial Number (DISABLE) - Gets serial numbers from
connected mobile music players. Disable it if everything works fine.

Print Spooler (YOUR CHOICE) - If you have a printer: auto, else disabled.

Protected Storage (YOUR CHOICE/AUTOMATIC) - Allows saving local passwords
and Autocomplete web information. Leave it on if you use autocomplete.

QoS RSVP (DISABLE) - Gets you some traffic control in a IPSEC network
and for the apps that support QoS and also has an adapter that supports that.

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager (Manual) - Creates a connection to a program
when it requires an address. Disable it if sh*t happens. Leave it manual for dial-up.

Remote Access Connection Manager (AUTOMATIC) - Creates a network connection.

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (DISABLE) - Security breach. Stop it ASAP.

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (Automatic) - *Critical* (never mess with this) Leave it on Automatic. Almost everything depends on this service.

(Remote procedure Call (RPC) Locator (DISABLE/Manual) - data base evidence of RPC.
(Not interesting at all.)

(Remote Registry Service (DISABLE) - Security breach. Stop it ASAP.
This allows other users to get access to your registry. LOL)

Removable Storage (DISABLE/Manual) - Naturally this is not required but if you notice
something wierd with your CD/DVD-R/RW leave it on auto.

Routing and Remote Access (DISABLE) - You'll know if you need it. Leave it disabled.

Secondary Logon (DISABLE) - Useless. Ancient remains of an obsolete service.

Security Accounts Manager (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic) - If you know more about this,
let me know ~ some say security breach ~ but mine's set to Automatic.

Security Center (SP2) (Automatic) - Monitors system security settings.

(Server (DISABLE) - If you have something shared, on, else off.)

Shell Hardware Detection (DISABLE) - Autoplay for memory cards. You decide.
(Disable if you don't have memory cards.)

Smart Card (DISABLE) - If you don't have a "Smart Card" disable it.

Smart Card Helper (DISABLE) - Same as above.

SSDP Discovery Service (DISABLE) - Huge security risk (recognized by MS). Disable it.

System Event Notification (DISABLE) - Used with COM+;stuff like power events or logoffs/ons.
(Not required.)

System Restore Service (YOUR CHOICE/Manual/Automatic) - Mine's on. Your choice.
Leave it on if you have too much space to waste. j/k

Task Scheduler (DISABLE) - Resource eater. Turn it off.

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service (DISABLE) - If you don't use Netbios, disable it.
It's also a security breach.

Telephony (AUTOMATIC or DISABLE) - On only for Dial-up. Off else.

Telnet (DISABLE) - Security breach. Disable it.

Terminal Services (YOUR CHOICE/Manual) - Used for Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop & Remote Assistance. If you really use those, leave it on. Mine's Manual - but always Starts.

Themes (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic) - Used for the pretty windows desktop things. lol

Uninterruptible Power Supply (DISABLE) - If you don't have an Uninterruptible Power Supply,turn it off.

 

[iseedeadwood]

* Performance Tuning and Services *

*** Services *** cont.

Universal Plug and Play Device Host (DISABLE) - Security breach, but used with SSDP Discovery Service,detects and configures your UPnP devices on your network. Can be disabled.

(Upload Manager (DISABLE) - Useless. Obsolete.)

Volume Shadow Copy (DISABLE) - Unneeded. Only used by ms-backup.

Software Shadow Copy Provider Service (DISABLE) - Same as above.

Webclient (DISABLE) - Useless. Disable it.

Windows Audio (YOUR CHOICE/Automatic) - Those Windows event sounds.
(If you've changed them, leave it on.)

Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) (Automatic) SP2 Firewall.

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) (YOUR CHOICE/Manual) - Used for some Cameras/Videos.

Windows Installer (Automatic/Manual) - Used for .mis installers. You may need it.
[if you ever have problems installing something ~ go here ~ you may have to start it manually]

Windows Management Instrumentation (Automatic) - I think windows requires it. Procedure Call (RPC) needs this one on.

Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension (Automatic) - Same as above.

Windows Time (DISABLE) - Connects to a server to get correct time(just do it yourself).
Small security buggie. Disable it.

Windows User Mode Driver Framework (Automatic) - Enables Windows User Mode Drivers

Wireless Zero Configuration (DISABLE) - Auto configuration for wireless devices.
Turn off if you don't have wireless stuff.

WMI Performance Adapter (YOUR CHOICE/Manual) - don't see any use for it.
but leave it on Manual, just in case.

Workstation (Automatic) - Leave on auto.

. . .also, you'll have other Services running like your AV, Video Display Drivers and Printer Drivers.
(if you don't know what the Service is ~ it's best to leave it alone, 'till you do!)


*** Starting with a clean machine: FREE TOOLS ***

Has been edited by me topic moved to http://www.freewebspace.net/forums/showthread.php?t=81364

 

[iseedeadwood]

***Advanced Tweaks ***

*** Advanced Tweaks [Gamers will find this usefull] ***

[Check back now and again, stuff may be added and/or modified]
~ These may only work with Windows XP ~

Read ~ Tweaking Precautions: in *** Preformance Tuning ***
[for info on System Restore; how to create and restore settings]


Lets start here;
[You can create Hardware Profiles(not the same as a User Profile)
for differrent system configurations you want to use for, i.e. games,
intense video production, or just a faster system ~ The Tweak Profile]

Creating a new Hardware(Tweak) Profile;

Right click My Computer > Properties
open Hardware tab; under Hardware Profiles [open]
copy (current) profile 1 , now you should have 2 profiles
rename profile 2 to "[Your Choice] Profile" > open Properties
[check] Always include this profile as an option when Windows starts
hit OK, hit OK again, one more time.
- restart your computer using your (New) profile (choose It on boot up)

Best Performance Settings;
[these tweaks will make your system really fast]
{most gamers don't want anything unnecessary running in the backgroud}

Right click My Computer > Properties
(you should be back in System Properties)
open Advanced tab in Performance Options click Settings
Visual Effects [check] Adjust for best performance. hit OK.

open Automatic Updates tab
[check] Turn off Automatic Updates (don't hit OK, yet)

open System Restore tab
[check] Turn off System Restore for all drives (don't hit OK, yet)

DMA Transfer Mode;

open Hardware tab
open Device Manager
look for "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers",
right click on "Primary IDE Channel" and click "Properties",
now click "Advanced Settings"
and for "Transfer Mode" choose DMA if available.
Then do the same for the "Secondary IDE Channel"
[you should do this one even if your not a tweaker]
when finished close that window by hitting [X]

Driver Signing;

still in Hardware tab open Driver Signing
[check] Warn-Prompt me each time to chose an action
(just to be on the safe side)
hit OK

open Windows Update [in Drivers section]
[check] Never search Windows Update for drivers
~ (I'll explain why later) {*^,*}
hit OK

open Hardware Profiles [in Hardware Profiles section] again
[check] Wait until I select a hardware profile
click on your new profile (so it's highlighted)
now hit OK and finally OK again -
- restart your computer using your new profile (choose It on boot up, again)


[Startup / Recovery Options]

Right click on "My Computer", choose properties and go to the "Advanced Tab",
under "Startup and Recovery" you can change the startup behaviour and more.
In the dropdown box under "Write debugging information" choose "none" to speed up restart after crash.

Disable Error Reporting;

[Right click My Computer > Properties >open Advanced tab]
click on the Error Reporting button
[check] the box that says "Disable Error Reporting"
[un-check] But notify me when critical errors occur
hit OK

Turn Off Remote Assistance;

Click on the Remote tab.
[Uncheck] Allow Remote Assistance . . .
hit OK

Turn Off Indexing;

Now just double-(left)click on My Computer
right click on each drive and choose Properties > under the General tab,
[uncheck] Allow the Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching
> a window will pop up, make sure the box is checked that says
Apply change to (drive letter):\, subfolders and files and click OK.
Windows will apply the changes, click OK.
(Once you have done all the drives I recommend you reboot.)


Open each folder in a separate part of memory;
(recommended for 512MB memory and higher)

Open My Computer ( press the Windows & E keys)
> go to Tools > Folder Options > View and [check] the box in
"Launch folder windows in a separate process".
Reboot again!
(the Rebooting process over and over again is how you train Windows ~ lol)

CurrentControlSet\Hardware Profiles [Explained]

The Registry subkey HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware Profiles\Current is a link to the current hardware profile. A hardware profile contains changes to the original hardware profile configured in HKLM\SOFTWARE and HKLM\SYSTEM keys. Windows XP doesn't change the original value, so it can change hardware profiles easily. Each hardware profile is in the subkey Hardware Profiles\ N, where N is the incremental Number beginning with 0000. These subkeys look like stripped-down versions of HKLM\SOFTWARE and HKLM\SYSTEM keys. They contain only those values that the hardware profile changes, though. In other words, when Windows XP uses a hardward profile, the settings in the profile override the settings in SOFTWARE and SYSTEM. They represent a powerful way to customize the operating system for different scenarios. HKCC is also a link to the current hardware profile.
[Changing a value in any of these three locations changes the same value in the remaining two locations.]
Widows XP maintains information about all its hardware profiles in the key HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\IDConfigDB.
[Hope this helps in understanding Hardware Profiles]

[Don't Use Wallpaper]

Sound boring? I agree, however, not using wallpaper
can free up a bit of memory and speed boot times.
To eliminate wallpaper:
Right-click on a blank area of the desktop > choose Properties
> click on the Desktop tab
> in the area that says "Background" choose (None)
> to change the color of the desktop,
click on the arrow next to "Color:" and pick your color >
click Apply and OK.


[Disable Disk Performance Counters]

Press the Windows + R keys > type diskperf -n > reboot


[Turn off the Built-In CD Burner]

If you want to turn off the ability to using the built-in CD burner software that comes with Windows XP; Open up the Explorer Right click on the drive that is your CD burner
> Select Properties > Click on the Recording tab
> Uncheck "Enable CD recording on this drive"


Open up regedit,
navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace,
find the key named {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
Right click on it and delete it.

Set CPU Priority [you should do this one, even if your not a gamer]
This setting gives a boost to priority of foreground applications.
In very overly-simplified terms, what you see on the screen gets more attention
from the CPU than what you can't. [base Hexadecimal]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl]

Win32PrioritySeparation REG_DWORD 0x00000026 (38)


These allow you to end tasks faster, shut down faster and speed up the menu display.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]

ForegroundLockTimeout REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
HungAppTimeout REG_SZ 5000 to 20000 (5 to 20 seconds)
MenuShowDelay REG_SZ 200 to 2000
WaitToKillAppTimeout REG_SZ 5000 to 20000 (5 to 20 seconds)

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control]

WaitToKillServiceTimeout REG_SZ 5000

Here I go again typing more than is alotted... continued

 

[iseedeadwood]

*** Advanced Tweaks ***

*** Advanced Tweaks *** continued.


Advanced NTFS Settings:
[The filesystem is the invisible mechanism on your hard disk that is responsible for keeping track of all the data stored on the drive. Think of the filesystem as a massive table of contents, matching up each filename with its corresponding data stored somewhere on the disk surface. Windows XP supports three different filesystem types; FAT (File Allocation Table, 16-bit), FAT32 (File Allocation Table, 32-bit) and NTFS (NT Filesystem). NTFS was designed from the ground up to completely replace FAT/FAT32. It supports encryption, compression, and security.]

The following settings allow you to fine-tune NTFS to squeeze the most performance out of your NTFS drive; experiment with these settings to find the configuration that works best for you.

Start by opening the Registry Editor, and expanding the branches to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Filesystem.
There are three values here that concern us:

NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation
Values: 0 = enabled (default), 1 = disabled
[if you don't use 16-bit programs ~ disable]

NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate
Values: 0 = enabled (default), 1 = disabled
[changing the value to 1, should improve drive performance]

NtfsMftZoneReservation
Values: 1 = small (default), 2 = medium, 3 = large, 4 = maximum
[The core of the NTFS filesystem is the master file table (MFT),
a comprehensive index of every file on the disk (including the MFT itself).
Since disk defragmenters can't defragment the MFT, Windows reserves a certain amount of extra space for it to grow, in an effort to reduce its eventual fragmentation. The more fragmented MFT gets, the more it will hamper overall disk performance. Although the default is 1, values of 2 or 3 are probably better for most systems with large hard disks; the maximum value of 4 is good for very large drives with a lot of small files.]


Changing Priority Class Levels

You can change the priority class of the program in one of two ways. The first way is through the Task Manager, and is done while the program is already running. If you right-click on the desired program under the Processes tab, you will be presented with the option of switching the program's priority class.
You can also change the priority on program startup by using a special batch file to execute the program. The batch file (.bat) would look like this when it is open (and created) in a text editor: (NotePad)

[Example: placed in C:\]

Echo off
Start /high C:\Programs\(Program folder)\(file.exe)

If you store the batch file in the same directory as the file you're running, you don't need the path.

Echo off
Start/high (file.exe)

The (file.exe) without the brackets is the name of the executable file that runs your program or game. Name the .bat file start.bat and just put it in the same folder that the (file.exe) is in, that's all ~ next time you start that program it's priority will be high.
[I suggest you never set a program's priority to Real-Time, it may really screw with Windows!]


* _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ *

X-Setup - http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=127

TweakUI - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp

________to be continued________________________________________


Video Drivers;{*^,*}

Always Update your Video Card drivers from the manufactuer.
(most of the time they might not be signed, but it takes Windows,
sometimes, up to a year to sign'em ~ don't wait!)
. . . make sure the drivers are really compatible with your card;
the newest drivers aren't necessarily the best for your card
~ especially if it's older.

. . .read and review drivers first at;

XTreme-G drivers can be found at Tweaks`R`Us
http://www.tweaksrus.com/index.php

The guru of of 3D ~ most excellent site for the serious gamer!
Downloads, Game & Hardware Reviews, Guides and more. . .
http://www.guru3d.com/

 

[iseedeadwood]

Without a Doubt do the Following

Most users at this site should already be aware of these simple but MUST DO suggestions I will be posting

To achieve the best performance out of your computer I suggest doing these :

Cleaning up cache, cookies and history: Daily
Disk Cleanup: Daily
Defragmenting: Bi-weekly
Error checking: Bi-weekly
Virus scanning: Weekly
Spyware removal: Weekly
Adware removal: Weekly
Trojan removal: Weekly

Since computers do not come with the spyware, adware and Trojan removal tools here are addresses to download the programs I am typing the guides to.

Spybot Search and Destroy v1.3 :
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download

Ad-aware:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

The Cleaner Professional 4.1 :
http://www.download.com/The-Cleaner-Professional/3000-2239_4-10279992.html?tag=lst-0-1


How to clean up cache, cookies and history:
1. Right click on the internet explorer icon on the desktop, then click properties.
2. Click delete cookies, a window will pop up then click ok.
3. Click delete files, a window will pop up then check the Delete all offline content box. Then click okay.
4. Click clear history, a window will pop up then click yes.

How to do disk cleanup:
1. Double click the my computer icon on the desktop. The my computer window will open. Right click on Local Disk (C):. Click properties. Under the general tab it will show a button that says disk cleanup click it.
2. It will automatically start scanning. (It may take a while.)
3. When finished a window will pop up. Check everybox then click ok. It will ask do you wish to perform these actions click yes. (This may also take a while.)

How to defragment:
1. Double click the my computer icon on the desktop. The my computer window will open. Right click on Local Disk (C). Click properties.
2. Select the tools tab. Then click the Defragment now button.
3. A window will open name disk defragmenter. Then select the hard drive (C) and click defragment. This process may take a while depending on how often the disk volume is defragmented.

How to error-check:
1. Double click the my computer icon on the desktop. The my computer window will open. Right click on Local Disk (C). Click properties.
2. Select the tools tab. Under the error-checking section click check now.
3. A window will pop up with options check the two boxes then click start.
4. It will say that it will run at the next restart. So restart the computer. This process will take a while (20 minutes). It will reboot itself when it is finished.

How to scan for viruses:
(This isn't very detailed because there are many different programs for this, and I didn't feel like installing each to type separate guides.)
1. Double click the virus scanners icon on the desktop.
2. Before doing any scanning I suggest you search for updates on virus definitions then restarting your computer if you update them.
3. When your virus scanner loads click Scan for Viruses. Then scan your entire computer for viruses. It'll start scanning a few seconds later. This process will also take about 20-30 minutes.
4. If your scan finds anything you should try to quarantine it or delete it all together.

How to use Spybot to remove spyware:
(Warning: Some programs send information about your computer across the web, which necessarily
isn't spyware. If you have programs that you commonly use show up in the list. Do not delete them.)

1. Open Spybot up by double clicking its icon.
2. When it opens there is an option to search for updates button. Click it, then it will goto the next screen when it is done searching for updates. Any available updates should be downloaded and installed before you scan. To download them check the box next to the updates and click the download updates button at the top.
3. On the lefthand side of the program there is a button that says Search & Destroy. Click it and it will open up to be able to scan. Now there is a Check for problems button, Click it and your scan will begin. This process varies in time depending on your system specs.
4. If anything shows up after the scan check the box. And click fix selected problem. This doesn't completely get rid of the problem, it moves it to a recovery area, in case you accidentally deleted something you didn't intend to.
5. To completely get rid of the spyware ,click the Recovery button on the lefthand side, select the items you wish to delete forever, then click purge selected items.

How to use Ad-aware to remove adware:
1. Open up Ad-aware by double clicking its icon.
2. When Ad-aware open there is an option to check for updates now. Click it, then a window will pop-up, when this happens click connect. And it will search for needed updates. If it prompts you to download them, do so. When the updates are done click finish.
3. Now you are ready to scan for adware. On the main screen click start. Then it will goto a screen to select which mode to use. I suggest doing a doing a smart system scan, so select it and click next. The scanning will take a lil bit of time, normally under 10 minutes.
4. After the scan is finished it will tell you how many critical object there are. Click okay, then select the ones you wish to delete, and click next. It then tells you how many objects will be removed and asks you to continue. Click okay. This also does not fully delete the object, in case you selected something you did not want to delete.
5. To completely get rid of the adware, on the main screen open the quarantine list. Select the file, and click delete. It doesn't harm you to keep the file in quarantine though.

How to use TheCleaner to remove Trojans:
1. Open up Thecleaner by double-clicking its icon. Since it is an evaluated 30 day trial. Click evaluate.
2. This program you have to set it to update at startup to get the necessary updates. So at the top click options, a window will pop-up, then click the update tab. Select Check for updates at startup, then click the connection settings which apply to you. And click okay.
3. After you are updated now you can scan for Trojans. So on the main screen click scan system.
4. If anything shows up in the list, right click it and click quarantine. This moves it to the quarantine manager, which you can permanently delete it through there.

 

[iseedeadwood]

I'm intersted in learning any new Tweaks of any kind please if you are aware of some that are known to work without any type of bugs feel free to add to the list

thanks

 

[TJR Networks]

Wow, that's a lot of information! I think you mean "performance" though, rather than "preformance".

 

[iseedeadwood]

Wow, that's a lot of information! I think you mean "performance" though, rather than "preformance".

Gotcha TJ, thanks has been edited.