Speed Up Windows XP

Last Updated: 2/5/11

The following are tips to speeding up Windows XP Home or Professional Edition:

Step 1: Disable Unneeded Services

By default Windows XP has about 30 services running in the background. Only about 15 are needed by the average person. The other 15 are slowing your computer down. To see all these services go to Start Menu > Run - Type "services.msc". To disable some of these services and not screw up your computer run the following program:

1. Click Here to download the Zip File
2. Extract Files using Winzip
3. Run XpOptimize.exe

Step 2: Change Themes

By default Windows XP uses the new "Windows XP" theme which may look pretty but uses a lot of resources. To fix this switch to "Windows Classic" theme. To do this right click on the desktop and select properties. In the window that pops up under theme select "Windows Classic". Then push ok. I also recommend changing to the classic start menu. To do this right click on the Start Menu and select properties. Then select "Classic Start Menu". Then push ok.

Step 3: Internet Explorer 6.0

Note: If you don't have Internet Explorer 6 or higher I recommend you upgrade.
This part may not speed up your computer right now but will help it stay fast. Right click on the "Internet Explorer" icon on your desktop and select properties or you can open up Internet Explorer and go to Tools > Internet Options. Now under "Temporary Internet Files" click on "Delete Files..." then click ok. It may take a few minutes if you've never done this before. Then right next to that click on "Settings...". In that windows Change "Disk Usage" to 20MB. Also next to "Delete File..." it says "Delete Cookies..." click there and then press ok. I also recommend that you click on the advanced tab and check the following boxes: "Use Inline Auto Complete" and "Empty Temporary Internet Files Folder When Browser is Closed" Uncheck: "Reuse Windows for Launching Shortcuts" and "Display a Notification About Every Script Error"

Step 4: Disable Start Up Programs

Note: Disableing the wrong programs may stop certain good programs from running.
One of the most common computer problems that slows computers down is loading too many programs when you start your computer. To see how many programs you have running right now press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select the processes tab. To disable programs you don't need go to Start Menu > Run - Type "msconfig". Uncheck any programs you don't need or use. Here is a list of some common programs you might find on the list:

Program Name	File Name	Details	What happens when unchecked
dumprep 0 -k	dumprep 0 -k	Part of windows	Nothing seems to happen.
avgcc32	avgcc32.exe	AVG Anti-Virus	Stops Anti-Virus
SYSWB6	SYSWB6.exe	We-Blocker	Stops Filtering
zlclient	zlclient.exe	Zone Alarm Firewall	Stops Firewall
E_S4I2G1	E_S4I2G1.exe	Epson Printer Driver	May stop printer from working.
atiptaxx	atiptaxx.exe	ATI System Tray App	System Tray App Goes Away
ElbyCheck	ElbyCheck.exe	CloneCD app	I think this verifies Cloned CD setting on every boot. Not needed
CMESys	CMESys.exe	Part of Gator	Nothing
ITunesHelper	ITunesHelper.exe	Part of iTunes	Nothing, but might be need if you use an mp3 player.
NeroCheck	NeroCheck.exe	Part of Nero	I think this verifies Nero setting on every boot. Not needed
qttask	qttask.exe	Part of quick time	Not Needed
RxMon	RxMon.exe	Part of Roxio ECDC 6	Not Needed
DrgToDsc	DrgToDsc.exe	Part of Roxio ECDC 6	Only Need if you use Drag to Disc
EngUtil	EngUtil.exe	Part of Roxio ECDC 6	Not needed
exec	exec.exe	Two programs have files with this name. It is either a mouse driver or part of netzero	Not needed
Gstartup	Gstartup.exe	Gator	Not needed
Microsoft Office	OSA.exe	MS Office	Only need if you have a MS office app start with you PC. (i.e. MS Office Shortcut Bar)

For a Larger list of start-up programs go here:
http://superfastcomputer.com/startup.html

Keywords: windows xp speed speedxp