Vista Tweaks: For that oh, so, yummy, faster, Vista performance

[Gow616]

Let it be known that this thread is not for discussion of XP or Linux but Vista tweaking and Vista tweaking related discussion, STAY ON TOPIC and don't use the force, Luke.

First off we start with the biggest tweak that will gain the most boost to the system.

Turning off SuperFetch... by The Geek from Howtogeek.com

How to Disable SuperFetch on Windows Vista

The SuperFetch service in Windows Vista preloads your system's memory with the applications that you use most often. This makes launching of those applications much faster, but it might be an unwanted behavior for system tweakers or gamers.

There's no hard evidence that enabling or disabling this service will increase performance in general, but if you open and close applications often you should definitely leave it alone. You will have to test your configuration to know for sure.

Note that I don't recommend disabling this service, but we try to cover how to do everything on Vista.

Open up Services in Control Panel or by typing services.msc into the Start menu search or run boxes.



Double-click on Superfetch in the list to open up the properties, and then change the drop-down to "Disabled". You can also click Stop to immediately turn it off.



I don't recommend this tweak for regular users, but somebody might find it useful.

The Geek is the founder of How-To Geek and a geek enthusiast. When he's not coming up with great how-to articles, he's probably writing at his personal blog.
Source for this guide

How about some Supertweaking? Blackviper's Guide to Vista Supertweaks

Disable unneeded Windows services, Vista SP 1 style. Blackviper's Vista SP1 Service guide

Got some more tweaks that these three guides don't cover? Post them.

Need help executing a tweak? Post the problem, in detail.

Two programs that can Tweak Vista are:

Tweak Vista: Link

"Unlike other power tools for Windows, TweakVista™ automatically prompts enhancement recommendations, offering easy “one click” updates to otherwise complex configuration changes. TweakVista™ is also safe to use. By utilizing Microsoft’s system-restore technology any changes you make can easily be rolled back. You can freely experiment with different settings without disabling your computer. "

The Tweak Vista site is also good for a further storehouse of information in regards to tweaking Vista.

Vispa (thanks goes to nathanlawliet for this find): Link

There are many reasons why you wouldn't want your operating system connect to Microsoft's server, be it for practical reasons or pure idealism. Based on the source-code of the award-winning xpy (version 0.9.8), Vispa allows you to easily tweak your Windows Vista for better privacy and security, even system performance. Do a few clicks rather than finding the write registry keys or program settings.

The only recommendation I can give is not applying settings without vague knowledge of what you're doing. Not every setting is desired in every environment. Vispa is no tool for beginners, just a more convenient way of tweaking your operating system.

There are probably more programs out there that do similar functions as well.

[Jon]

Good job Gow, +REP

[nathanlawliet]

Ehh. Google this and get "Vispa"

To disable superfetch and prefetch, go to Start > Run > Type in "msconfig" and stop it there.

Also, Google "Stop Vista from sending Microsoft personal information" and there is a tutorial on what programs do it and how to stop them.

Nice guide but to truly fix Vista you'd need a LOT more.

[Gow616]

Originally Posted by nathanlawliet

Ehh. Google this and get "Vispa"

There is also, Tweak Vista. Link

Both are going to be added to the initial post. Thanks for Vispa and reminding me of Tweak Vista.

Originally Posted by nathanlawliet

To disable superfetch and prefetch, go to Start > Run > Type in "msconfig" and stop it there.

Superfetch is prefetch.

MSConfig has a slightly different function in Vista. It brings up...



Although, one can disable the service from the System Configuration upon reboot it is re-enabled. Only by going into the Administration services can it be fully disabled. However, msconfig is good for disabling startup items.

Even Blackviper notes "Do not use "msconfig" to disable services, type "services.msc" in the Run box instead!", I second that thought.

Originally Posted by nathanlawliet

Also, Google "Stop Vista from sending Microsoft personal information" and there is a tutorial on what programs do it and how to stop them.

Anonymous usage tracking and upgrade watching is standard on Windows operating systems since its introduction with Windows Update on XP and to an extent Windows 2000. This is meant to track what programs people use and to send in error reports and notify of updates or install updates depending on how it is set up. It is nothing sinister and intrusive and can be opted out with questions you answer that pop up like "Do you want to send anonymous usage data to Microsoft? Yes or No?".

Error reporting on the other hand has always sent the data back but doesn't send anything personal like, user name, license key, ** cetera. It is why Microsoft had to put it in the updates because they can't track illegal copies through Error reporting only hardware and kernels/programs involved in a crash.

Update notification is standard on almost all modern Operating Systems...except for ones that don't have that ability built in.

Originally Posted by nathanlawliet

Nice guide but to truly fix Vista you'd need a LOT more.

Read Blackviper's two guides and a realization that I included copious amounts of data will become apparent. Not withstanding the whole bit about the "privacy" invasion by Microsoft bit.

If you think Microsoft is spying try walking in London or anywhere else in the UK. 20 cameras to every 1 person and it looks like the US is heading towards that as well.

[Stuart]

[EndUnknown]

cool, I may use this!

[Jhon FAKe]

nice gow, +REP

[Darth Camel]

Thanks Gow. However, Vista seems to be running just fine for me. For now at least. I just recently upgraded (using that term liberally). I actually love the aesthetics and all the visual effects.

[dustin_ds3000]

If i increase my ram from 1024 to 1280 will this help me any, do you think i will see a boost in performance, i have tried most tweaks but that was last year

[PoN]

Goodjob Cow. I mean gow.. lol.

Now can you find some Window XP? beside that msconfig thingy?

[Gow616]

Originally Posted by PoN

Now can you find some Window XP? beside that msconfig thingy?

They were posted in the Ways to Speed up PC thread created by Stuart...long ago. http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/tec...p-your-pc.html

[ronaldmonster]

Just something I thought I'd pass along.

USB read/write speeds were really increased after service pack 1. But I found out a feature thats enabled that won't allow you to really see the difference.

Follow these steps.

Control Panel/Programs/Turn Windows Features On or Off/Find "Remote Differential Compression" and disable it.

After SP1 and disabling that, I went from 10mbps to anywhere from 25 to 30 mbps.

[TechieSooner]

Originally Posted by Gow616

Superfetch is prefetch.

Do you care to explain this?

[Gow616]

Originally Posted by TechieSooner

Do you care to explain this?

Originally Posted by nathanlawliet View Post
To disable superfetch and prefetch, go to Start > Run > Type in "msconfig" and stop it there.

Superfetch is a prefetching cache feature in Windows Vista. Nathan was calling it as two services when it was one service...Superfetch.

Does it need more explanation?