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Windows XP security
and optimization guide
Clean Spyware and Viruses + Optimize Windows XP to improve home, work and gaming performance safely. Windows XP's default configuration
is far from optimized. This Free guide will help you improve your overall system performance without having to manually edit the Registry.
I avoid using or recommending
"all-in-one" Windows XP Tweak programs since many blindly adjust settings that have no affect on performance and can cause future
problems. This guide is designed to be performed top to bottom, in sequence since some steps are required to be performed before others. Before
using this guide make sure your system meets the Windows XP System Requirements:
Minimum:
233 MHz CPU *
64 MB of RAM (may limit performance and some features) *
1.5 GB of available hard disk space *
Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Recommended:
300 MHz CPU *
128 MB of RAM *
1.5 GB of available hard disk space *
Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter with at least 8 MB of
video RAM and monitor
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Network adapter
Sound card and speakers
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Computer Viruses not only reduce system performance but they have
the potential to destroy data and allow a third party complete control over your computer. No PC today should be running without an updated
AntiVirus program. Updated means that the AntiVirus program should have a current virus pattern, reference or definition file from within the
last seven days. E-mailing, file sharing, disk sharing, and simply browsing the Internet can all potentially cause a computer virus infection.
Trend
Micro Online Virus Scanner
A free online Virus Scanner that can be run anytime a Virus infection is suspected.
Instructions - Select "My Computer", "Auto Clean" and then "SCAN". Delete any viruses that cannot be
cleaned. Even if you have an AntiVirus program installed run this anyway. If a Virus is unable to be cleaned or deleted use the Sysclean Package
for removal below.
Trend
Micro Sysclean Package
A free Malware Removal Tool that can be run anytime Malware infection is
suspected. This is not an AntiVirus Program.
Instructions - Download the Sysclean Package (sysclean.com) and the latest Pattern File (lptXXX.zip). Create a folder on your C: drive
(C:\Sysclean), download both files to this folder, unzip the "lptXXX.zip" pattern file into this folder, then run "sysclean.com",
check "Automatically clean or delete detected files", left-click "Scan". Tough to remove Malware requires a more thorough
scan. Reboot your computer into safe mode by holding the Ctrl key down during boot up and selecting "Safe Mode" from the menu. In
safe mode do another Sysclean scan and remove the remaining Malware infections.
Notes - The Pattern File is updated on a daily basis, make sure you are using the latest Pattern File. Anytime Malware is detected
that your AntiVirus program or the Online Virus Scanner is unable to clean, you will have to redownload the latest Pattern File for Sysclean
to be able to properly remove it. A larger numbered file (lptXXX.zip) represents a newer Pattern File. Control Pattern Releases will offer
better detection since they are updated more frequently.
Update - If you run the Sysclean Package after Avast! is installed, Avast! will falsely detect the sysclean.com file as infected
with VBS:Redlof. This has to do with the Sysclean Package's cleaning database not being encrypted, so the code line in the database used for
detection of VBS:Redlof is falsely detected as the Virus itself. Other AntiVirus Programs may give the same false alarm. Before running the
Sysclean Package you will need to temporarily disable Avast! or your AntiVirus program.
Avast!
Home Edition [FREE]
A free AntiVirus Program for those who do not already own a commercial one such as Trend
Micro's PC-Cillin, McAfee or Norton
AntiVirus. Avast Home Edition includes full virus protection in an easy to use interface with free automatic updating. If you are currently
using a commercial AntiVirus program do not install this but confirm that yours is updated. (e-mail
registration is required)
Avast!
Professional Edition [NOT FREEWARE]
If you like the Home Edition consider purchasing the Professional Edition which includes enhanced features. Some of the features not in the
Home Edition include an Enhanced User Interface, Command Line Scanner, Task Scheduling, Scan Results History, Push Updates and Script Blocking.
Spyware - "Hidden software that gathers information about a computer
user without the user's knowledge or informed consent, and then transmits this information to an external entity. This also includes Malware products
which perform the delivery of unrequested advertising (Pop-ups in particular), re-routing page requests to illegally claim commercial site
referral fees, and installing stealth phone dialers."
Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites -
The Spyware removal market is being flooded with bogus Spyware scanners, some even closely resemble Ad-aware and Spybot. These programs can
produce false positives, leave actual Spyware installed or at the very worst even install Spyware. I strongly recommend only using the following
programs and uninstalling any other Spyware Scanners you may have tried. Use the links here if you are not sure what you have.
SPYWARE CLEANING
The following free scanners will remove 99% of known Spyware. Ad-aware, Spybot - Search and Destroy and Microsoft AntiSpyware should be updated
weekly. CCleaner should always be run first to save on scanning time. Tough to remove Spyware requires a more thorough scan in Safe Mode.
CCleaner
CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) removes unused and temporary files from your system, including cleaning the registry (Issues tab).
Instructions - Go to the "Windows" tab and select "Run Cleaner". Next select the
"Applications" tab and select "Run Cleaner". Finally select the
"Issues" tab and select "Scan for Issues" when it finishes scanning, right-click on any of the found problems, left-click "Select
All", select "Fix Selected Issues", then "Fix All Selected Issues".
CWShredder
2.x
CoolWebSearch is one of the worst Spyware infections. The latest variants use a Hidden DLL that is installed by taking over the file system's
data stream and stealthing the DLL file. Some AntiVirus programs will detect and clean it from memory but as soon as your system is rebooted
and another Internet connection made, it will reinstall itself. CWShredder 2.x removes this variant.
Ad-aware
SE
Application to scan and remove Spyware, Adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Instructions - Install, Update and Run. Remove all Spyware items it finds. To select all items for removal right-click on any of the
found items and left-click "Select All". Tough to remove Spyware requires a more thorough scan. Reboot your computer into safe mode
by holding the Ctrl key down during boot up and selecting "Safe Mode" from the menu. In safe mode do another Ad-aware scan and remove
the remaining Spyware infections.
Spybot
- Search and Destroy
Application to scan and remove Spyware, Adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Instructions - Install Spybot (Do not install the Teatimer), select "Update",
"Search For Updates", check the box next to each update and then select
"Download Updates" Then select "Search and Destroy", "Check for problems" and after scanning is complete "Fix
selected problems". Tough to remove Spyware requires a more thorough scan. Reboot your computer into safe mode by holding the Ctrl key
down during boot up and selecting "Safe Mode" from the menu. In safe mode do another Spybot scan and remove the remaining Spyware
infections.
Update - Spybot by default now ignores certain products such as New.Net and Sidestep for no good reason. New.Net compromises the WinSock
stack by routing all your DNS queries through the NewDotNet.DLL. To enable detection go to "Settings", "Ignore products", "All
products" Tab, right click on "Product", left-click on "Deselect all". Then run another scan.
Microsoft
AntiSpyware (BETA)
Security technology that helps protect Windows users from Spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
Instructions - Install, go to "File", "Check for updates...", after it is done updating select "Close".
Then select "Spyware Scan", "Scan Options", select "Full System Scan" then "Scan Now". Tough to remove
Spyware requires a more thorough scan. Reboot your computer into safe mode by holding the Ctrl key down during boot up and selecting "Safe
Mode" from the menu. In safe mode do another AntiSpyware scan and remove the remaining Spyware infections. Microsoft AntiSpyware also includes
Real Time Spyware Protection, if you wish to disable this for performance reasons, go to "Real-time Protection" and deactivate all
three agents.
Clean and Infected File Sharing Programs - Microsoft AntiSpyware will
detect numerous Peer to Peer programs as Spyware. If you are 100% positive you are using a non Spyware infected file sharing program select
ignore on these entries. Use this list to be sure.
SPYWARE IDENTIFICATION
The following is a Spyware Database that will let those interested search and learn more about the Spyware identified by the above scanners.
This is not a required step. If you are not interested continue on to Spyware Protection.
Instructions - Enter (part of) the name of the Spyware you are looking for. Use this as a reference for specific Spyware.
Under NO circumstances is it necessary to pay for AntiSpyware removal applications to remove Spyware.
SPYWARE PROTECTION
The following steps will provide protection from future Spyware infection. Spybot's immunize feature should be run anytime the definitions are
updated. SpywareBlaster should be updated Monthly. MSJVM removal will only have to be performed once. Check for Sun Java Updates every few Months.
Spybot
- Search and Destroy
Protect Yourself before threats find their way into your system.
Instructions - Select "Immunize" and then the "Immunize" button to block common Spyware programs from installing
themselves in the future.
SpywareBlaster
Application to prevent the installation of Active-X based Spyware.
Instructions - Install, select "Updates", "Check for Updates". Then select "Protection" and finally "Enable
All Protection".
Microsoft
Java Virtual Machine v1.1.4 Removal Tool [Freeware] [Cool]
Auto-installing Spyware infections (CoolWebSearch) occurs due to exploits in Microsoft's discontinued Java Virtual Machine v1.1.4 (Build 5.0.3810).
Infection occurs by simply browsing the wrong website. Java was originally licensed from Sun Microsystems but later modified by Microsoft. Microsoft's
modifications to the Java code are the suspected reasons these exploits exist. There are no patches from Microsoft to fix this. To protect yourself
uninstall MSJVM using this tool.
Notes - Windows XP SP1a and SP2 will
uninstall MSJVM. However, it will not hurt to run this since it is possible for
an application or person to reinstall MSJVM on top of SP1a and SP2.
Sun
Java Virtual Machine v1.5.x [pure Freeware]
Sun's JVM does not have these exploits as it was designed specifically not to allow code execution
outside of the Java Virtual Machine. The Java Virtual Machine is only one aspect of Java software that is involved in web interaction. The Java
Virtual Machine is built right into your Java software download, and helps the Sun JRE run
Java applications. Windows XP SP1 and IE v5.5+,
Mozilla v1.4+ or Firefox v1.0+ Required.
Instructions - Download, Install and then use the Test Page to confirm it is installed properly.
SP2
Installation Advisory
At www.support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811113 you can find a lists all the fixes included in SP2.
Before installing SP2 make sure all of your Data is backed up and you have consulted
with your PC manufacturer for any potential problems. Viruses and Spyware can cause the SP2 installation
to fail, make sure you have run through steps 1 and 2 completely before proceeding.
Notes - After following the above advisory, it is recommended that you install SP2.
The updated security features are well worth it.
- Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker (I still
recommend installing the Google Toolbar if you use IE)
- Internet Explorer Download Monitoring (Warns you
about potentially harmful downloads i.e.. Spyware and Viruses)
- Windows Firewall Update (Much better
application management and enhanced boot time security)
- Windows Security Center (Notifies
you of your AntiVirus, Firewall and Windows Update Status)
- Improved Wireless Support (Improves
and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks)
- Data Execution Prevention (Help prevents code
execution from data pages)
Windows
Update [LINK]
Install All of the updates. Not just the critical ones. This may have to be run multiple times. Run it over again until it says 0 updates
available. Non-critical updates are essential for improved performance, compatibility and enhanced features. They are all very safe to install.
Notes - Windows Update Version 5 requires the following services
be enabled:
- Automatic Updates - Automatic
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Manual or Automatic
Driver Notes - If a Driver issue arises that Windows Update insists upon installing a Driver version older then one you have updated,
do not install the one from Windows Update. Use the manufacturers latest version instead and just ignore that Windows Driver Update. With
Drivers, the Hardware manufacturer is the one who is correct not Microsoft. Windows Update will sometimes show a Driver is outdated if it
is not "Microsoft Certified". It is quite ok to use non-certified drivers. Official non-certified driver versions will have
been thoroughly tested by the component manufacturer.
Update - Microsoft
Windows Journal Viewer can sometimes conflict with Adobe Acrobat Reader when you open .PDF files, Error: "An installation package
for the product Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer cannot be found." If this is happening uninstall The Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer,
go to "Start", "Settings", "Add or Remove Programs". The Journal Viewer is only needed to read Journal files
created on a Windows XP Tablet Edition PC. It is highly unlikely you will ever need to read these.
DirectX
Windows Update will install the latest version of DirectX. It is still a good idea to check what version you are running and make sure you
have the latest version of DirectX installed prior to installing any Drivers. Got to "Start", "Run", type in "Dxdiag" and
select "OK". Under the "System" tab, "DirectX Version" check that you have the latest version that is available
from the DirectX Home Page (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx)
Installing the latest Drivers improves system performance and application compatibility. Updated drivers include numerous bug fixes as well
as system optimizations. It is recommended for optimal system stability to only use Official drivers and not Beta or Prerelease versions.
Performance differences between driver versions including Beta or Prereleased drivers is negligible. The only time Beta or Prerelease drivers
should be considered is when a serious application bug is fixed in the Beta or Prerelease version and the component manufacturer has not yet
released the Official driver version that includes the bug fix.
Notes - Windows Update will install very common driver updates, however these will not always be the latest versions and sometimes
can even be an older version of one you have already updated, example: nVidia forceware drivers. It is perfectly safe to install the Windows
Driver Updates but if you want the very best system performance you have to check for and install the latest drivers manually. If you are
having trouble identifying your hardware use:
Chkdsk
Built in Windows file system repair utility.
Instructions - Go to "Start", "My Computer", right-click on the "C:" drive, left-click "Properties",
select the "Tools" tab, click "Check Now...", check "Automatically Fix File System Errors", then click "Start", "Yes"
and Reboot. Repeat this for any other hard drive partitions in your system. Only the drive partition with Windows installed will require a reboot.
Autoruns
Utility to display and control startup applications. Disabling unnecessary startup applications improves boot up time and overall system performance.
Instructions - Unzip and launch Autoruns.exe, select "View", check "Hide Signed Microsoft Entries". The remaining
items are third party applications. Uncheck all that are not needed, this will disable them from loading at Windows startup. AntiVirus and Firewall
applications are necessary applications that should be running on startup. If you are unsure of what something is, highlight it, select "Entry" then "Google" to
launch a search for more information regarding the highlighted application. You can permanently remove items by deleting them. Do not "Delete"
anything unless you are 100% positive you do not need it. Disabled (Unchecked) items can be activated again by rerunning Autoruns, checking
the item and restarting Windows.
XP-Antispy
Disables all the known 'Suspicious' Functions in Windows XP.
Instructions - Check most of the boxes and select "Apply". Leave the following unchecked:
[Miscellaneous Settings]
_ Clear pagefile at shutdown - This causes Windows XP to take longer to shutdown but is a good idea for security.
_ Hide Computer in Network - This would prevent your Computer from showing up in Network Neighborhood.
_ Deny starting regedit.exe - This will prevent future use of the very useful regedit tool.
_ Deactivate Scripting Host - This will cause features to stop working in web browsers and e-mail.
_ Always show *.lnk suffixes - This adds .lnk to desktop shortcuts.
_ Always show *.url suffixes - This adds .url to web browser bookmarks.
_ Don't autostart CD's - This will prevent CD's from running automatically when put in the CD/DVD drive.
[Internet Explorer 6]
_ Disable automatic updates - This will prevent Windows Update from checking for and downloading updates.
_ Disable scheduled updates - This will prevent Windows Update from installing updates.
_ Disable Javascript - This will cause some web pages to lose their menus or functionality completely.
_ Disable ActiveX Controls - This will cause some web pages to lose their menus or functionality completely.
_ Clean website cache on shutdown - This causes Windows XP to take longer to shutdown but is a good idea for security.
[Services]
_ Disable auto-updates service - This will prevent Windows Update from running Automatically.
_ Disable task-scheduler service - BootVis and Norton AV require this service to be running.
_ Disable firewall/connection sharing service - This will disable the Windows XP firewall.
_ Disable Security Center - This will prevent necessary security warnings.
[Microsoft Messenger]
_ Uninstall completely - If you use or plan on using Microsoft's Instant Messenger leave this unchecked.
[Regsrv32 dll's]
_ Disable ZIP Functionality - Only select if you have another .Zip program installed such as WinZip.
Cacheman
v5.50 (www.outertech.com/index.php?_charisma_page=product&id=2)
Improves the performance of your computer by optimizing the disk cache, memory and a number of other settings.
Instructions - Go to "Show Wizard", "All" and run all the wizards by selecting
"Next" or "Finished" until you are back to Cacheman. Use the defaults unless you know exactly what you are doing. Then under "Options"
uncheck "Load Cacheman on Windows Startup", Exit and Save Cacheman, Restart Windows.
Notes - This version is free for home users, has no time limit and none of the features are disabled. CachemanXP is the newer shareware
version that includes an updated real time memory recovery feature. No performance benefit has been noticed using this feature. All the necessary
cache tweaks to improve system performance are in Cacheman v5.50.
TweakUI
This Windows XP PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse
settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more.
Instructions - Under "Mouse" slide "Menu Speed" to "Fast", under "Explorer" check "Use
Classic Search in Explorer" (Gets rid of the Dog).
Windows XP has a lot of extra services running by default that most people will never use. By disabling these services you will increase available
memory and processing power thus improving system performance.
Shoot The Messenger (www.grc.com/stm/ShootTheMessenger.htm)
Disables Windows Messaging service. This will prevent online spammers from abusing this and causing message Pop-ups during normal system operation.
Unplug n' Pray
Disables Windows potentially dangerous and exploitable Universal Plug and Play networking capability.
BlackViper's
Windows XP Services Guide (www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm)
Using this guide will increase available memory by disabling useless Services turned on by default in XP. Run XP-AntiSpy, Shoot The Messenger
and Unplug n' Pray first before going through this guide since those utilities will disable some of these Services for you. Use the Guide in
combination with the following list. If you are not 100% sure about a service leave it on it's default state.
Instruction - Go to Start, Run, type "services.msc" and press enter. Left-click on the status bar twice to filter all the
started service to the top. Double left-click on the Service Name you wish to change. Change the
"Startup Type" to either Manual or Automatic, then select "Apply" and
"OK", repeat for all of the following:
The following is a list of Services that you can Disable on most systems for increased performance:
Alerter
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Help and Support
Indexing Service
IPSEC Services
Portable Media Serial Number
Remote Registry Service
Secondary Logon
Upload Manager
Wireless Zero Configuration (If you are on a wireless network leave
this enabled)
The following is a list of Services that should always be set to Automatic:
Automatic Updates
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Com+ Event System
Cryptographic Services
DCOM Server Process Launcher
DHCP Client
DNS Client
Event Log
Logical Disk Manager
Network Connections
Plug and Play
Print Spooler
Protected Storage
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - Never Disable This!
Security Accounts Manager
Security Center
Shell Hardware Detection
System Event Notification
System Restore Service
Themes
Windows Audio
Windows Management Instrumentation
Notes - Windows Updates can enable services that you have previously disabled. Check which services are running after a future Windows
Update is completed. If applications stop working after using this guide it is usually due to being to aggressive with disabling services. Enable
the services you disabled one at a time until the application works. In the future leave this service on automatic. If you run into any problems
set all services back to their Defaults and
start over.
1. Improve Windows XP Performance
Default Windows XP visual settings may look nice but they slow down system responsiveness. Here is how to keep the "look" of Windows
XP while losing the sluggish feel.
Instructions - Go to "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "System", "Advanced" tab,
in the "Performance" section select "Settings". Leave only the following checked:
√ Show shadows under menus
√ Show shadows under mouse pointer
√ Show translucent selection rectangle
√ Use drop shadows for icons labels on the desktop
√ Use visual styles on windows and buttons
Then select "Apply" and "OK".
2. Set A Static Page File Size
"Virtual Memory is the space on the hard disk Windows uses as RAM. The Page File (Pagefile.sys)
serves as temporary, virtual memory storage for code and data. Windows XP by default is set to use a dynamic Page File that can resize during
system operation, consuming resources and fragmenting. A Static Page File will not resize and become fragmented."
Instructions - Go to "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "System", "Advanced" tab,
in the "Performance" section select "Settings", "Advanced" tab, in the
"Virtual Memory" section select "Change", change the value in the
"Initial Size" box to the same value in the "Maximum Size" box, which should always be 1.5x the amount of RAM in
your system, then select "Set" and "OK".
Notes - It is a good idea to have at least 768 MB to 1 GB of RAM in
a PC today. A simple test to determine if you need more RAM is to use you PC for a whole day
without rebooting, then look at the Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Delete), Performance tab. If the "Commit Charge - Peak" is ever higher
then the "Physical Memory - Total" your system could benefit from adding more RAM.
When you change (increase or decrease) the amount of RAM in your system, you have to readjust
the Static Page File size to 1.5x the size of the new RAM amount.
3.
PageDefrag
Defragment the Page File and the Registry. "One of the limitations of the Windows 2000/XP defragmentation interface is that it is not possible
to defragment files that are open for exclusive access. Thus, standard defragmentation programs can neither show you how fragmented your paging
files or Registry hives are, nor defragment them. Paging and Registry file fragmentation can be one of the leading causes of performance degradation
related to file fragmentation in a system."
Instructions - Download, Run, select "Defrag at next Reboot", then "Ok" and Reboot.
4. Disable Indexing Service
The Indexing Service in Windows XP indexes your files presumably to shorten the time needed to search your hard drive if you are looking for
a specific file or part of a phrase inside a file. However, the constant indexing of files actually slows down system performance. Indexing
searching performance benefits would only be noticeable on a file server not a home PC.
Instructions - To disable the Indexing Service go into "My Computer", right-click on all your hard drive partitions one at
a time, left-click "Properties". Uncheck "Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching". Select "Apply
changes to subfolders and files". If any files cannot be updated select "Ignore All".
5. Disable Windows XP Sounds
Having sound effects set for common Windows XP tasks slows your system down. This affects startup and shutdown speeds the most.
Instructions - To disable all Windows XP task sounds go to "Start", "Settings",
"Control Panel", "Sounds and Audio Devices", select the "Sounds" tab, under "Sound Scheme" select "No
Sounds".
6. Uninstall Useless Windows Components
Windows XP installs some components by default that are not needed.
Instructions - Go to "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "Add or Remove Programs", select "Add/Remove
Windows Components", uncheck:
_ Indexing Service
_ MSN Explorer
Then select "Next" and "Finished".
Notes - If you use MSN as your ISP leave "MSN
Explorer" checked.
7. Reduce Recycling Bin Drive Space Usage
In Windows XP the Recycle Bin is set at default to reserve 10% of your hard drive, this can be a big waste of drive space.
Instructions - To change the Recycling Bin Size, right-click on the "Recycle Bin", left-click on "Properties", select
the "Global" tab, then "Use one setting for all drives". Move the slider to "3%".
8. Reduce System Restore Drive Space Usage
System Restore creates periodic snapshots of your critical system files (like the registry files, COM+ database, user profiles, and such) and
stores them as a "restore point." In case something goes wrong with your system you can revert back to a previous working state. The
default size that System Restore can take up can be quite large.
Instructions - Go to "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "System", "System Restore" tab,
for each drive partition highlight it then select
"Settings", under "Drive Space Usage" adjust the slider so System Restore is only using roughly 5% or a minimum of 1000 MB of
disk space per partition and select "OK".
9. Defragment Your Hard Drive
Windows XP comes with "Disk Defragmenter", a lite version of Diskeeper. File system performance is maximized when files are contiguous
on the disk. This means that all of the data in each file would be located consecutively on the Hard Drive. Instead of fragmented into separate
parts all over the disk surface, causing the Hard Drive to work harder (slower) to read and write your files. While "Disk Defragmenter" is
better then nothing it does not fully optimize your hard drive performance and includes no automated features, requiring you to constantly manually
run it. Since the built-in "Disk Defragmenter" is very I/O intensive your system is not usable while it is running.
Instructions - Double-click "My Computer", right-click the local disk volume that you want to defragment, Example: Local
Disk (C:), and then left-click "Properties". On the "Tools" tab, select "Defragment Now", then "Defragment".
Alternate - Go to "Start", "Run", type "Dfrg.msc". Select the volume that you want to defragment, then
select "Defragment".
Notes - "DCOM Server Process Launcher" Service needs to be running for the Disk Defragmenter to work. It is recommended to
leave this on automatic.
10.
Diskeeper
Diskeeper does a much better job then the built-in "Disk Defragmenter". It includes enhanced features that Defragment your computer
faster and more thoroughly such as a High Speed Defragmentation Engine that runs 300-500% faster than the built-in defragmenter.
TCP/IP
Optimizer (www.speedguide.net/downloads.php)
Application to optimize your Internet connection.
Instructions - Download and run. Backup current settings from the "File" menu, choose "Backup current settings".
Under the "Settings" tab select the type of Internet connection you have, under "Network Adapter" choose the Network interface
you use to connect, select "Optimal settings", then "Apply changes" and Reboot.
Notes - After running this, XP-AntiSpy will now show the option "Increase MaxConnectionsPerServer to 10" as unchecked. This
is due to the TCP/IP Optimizer setting this value to a more optimal, usually higher value. Leave it unchecked for optimal performance.
SP2
TCP Slowdown Fix (Event ID 4226 Patcher) (www.lvllord.de)
Windows XP SP2 limits the number of possible TCP connection attempts per second to 10 from
an "unlimited" number (16777214) in SP1. With the new implementation, if a P2P or
some other network program attempts to connect to 100 sites at once, it would only be able to connect to 10 per second, so it would take it
10 seconds to reach all 100. In addition, even though the setting was registry editable in SP1,
it is now only possible to edit by changing it directly in the system file tcpip.sys. Keep in mind this is a cap only on incomplete outbound
connect attempts per second, not total connections. Servers and P2P programs can definitely be affected
by this new limitation. Use the fix as you see fit.
Instructions - Download, unzip and run. To change it back to "unlimited" Type "C", then "16777214", press
Enter, type "Y" and finally Enter again. A
"Windows File Protection" window will come up, select "Cancel" then
"Yes" and Reboot.
Update - Windows Update KB893066 (4/12/05) breaks the old SP2 TCP Slowdown Fix, if you had the old one installed or recently installed
KB893066, you will need to download this new one and repatch.
7.2
The most perfect browser because it's ergonomy, speed and SECURITY. We don't recomand Netscape 8 because it have some major bugs.
The final optimization you should make with Windows XP is for the boot process. Everything needs to be installed and updated before you proceed
for optimal results.
Time to display list of operating systems
Setting used to adjust the time the boot menu is shown if you have multiple operating systems installed.
Instructions - Go to "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "System", "Advanced" tab,
in the "Startup and Recovery" section select "Settings", in the "System Startup" section uncheck "Time to
display list of operating systems". (If you do have multiple operating systems installed leave this enabled)
BootVis -
www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/sysperf/fastboot/bootvis.mspx
BootVis is a boot performance trace visualization and optimization tool. This tool invokes the built in Windows XP boot time optimization process
when you run it, instead of waiting for it to be scheduled at some unknown time by Windows. You will notice immediate improvement in boot performance
for this reason.
Instructions - Download and Run. In the menu go to "Trace", select "Next Boot and Driver trace". A "Trace
Repetitions" screen will appear, select "Ok"
and Reboot. Upon reboot, BootVis will automatically start, analyze and log your system's boot process. When it's done, in the menu go to
"Trace" and select "Optimize System" and Reboot. This time when your system comes up, wait until you see the "Optimizing
System" box appear, continue to wait until the process is complete.
Notes - BootVis requires "Task Scheduler" and "COM+ Event System" Services set to automatic and the system rebooted
before using the "Optimize System" function. If you are running a performance trace on a Pentium 4 system with Hyper-Threading enabled
you need to have SP2 installed (821581).
Unfortunately this program is not publicly supported by Microsoft anymore. If you experience any issues relating to it, no support is available.
Also see this article about hardware and software tweaking.