Ways to speed up your PC

[Stuart]

One day i thought my computer was being slow. So i searched around and found many simple steps to help improve your PC's performance. I know that there are already quite a few on here, but this is much more simple and many of them only use programs already installed on your computer. I hope this helps, dont forget to + rep me if it does

Ways to speed up your PC
By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Windows Vista to more efficiently maintain your computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.

On This Page

• Free up disk space
• Speed up access to data
• Detect and repair disk errors
• Protect your computer against spyware
• Learn all about ReadyBoost
• Disable Startup Programs
• Using MSCONFIG
• Disabling Unnecessary Windows Services
• Fix, clean and maintain your registry

Free up disk space
By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:

• Remove temporary Internet files.

• Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).

• Empty the Recycle Bin.

• Remove Windows temporary files.

• Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.

• Remove installed programs that you no longer use.


Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.

To use Disk Cleanup
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.



2. In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.


Choose the files that you want to delete.

3. Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.

4. When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.

After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner and performing better.

Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer.

Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.

When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you should run it too, such as when:

• You add a large number of files.

• Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.

• You install new programs or a new version of Windows.


To use Disk Defragmenter:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.


Click Analyze to start the Disk Defragmenter.

2. In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment, and then click the Analyze button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.

Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.

3. To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is no graphical user interface to demonstrate the progress—but your hard drive is still being defragmented.

After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.

4. To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.

5. To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.

6. To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, click the Close button on the title bar of the window.

Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.

As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.

If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.

To run the Error Checking utility:

1. Close all open files.

2. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

3. In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.

4. In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.

5. Click the Check Now button.

6. In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.



7. If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

Tip: Only select the "Automatically fix file system errors" check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.

Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2 and you can get this here: http://tinyurl.com/47cus . Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software programs available.

Learn all about ReadyBoost
If you're using Windows Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to speed up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a system, it allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB flash drive or a memory card—to improve performance without having to add additional memory.

Vista: Use Defender to Monitor and Disable Startup Programs
Defender is not only a great help in protecting your computer from malware, it also simplifies monitoring the programs that automatically start when Windows boots up. To do this...
1. Open Windows Defender.

2. Select Tools.

3. Click Software Explorer.

4. Select Startup Programs from the Category dropdown.

5. Review the programs in the left pane. Selecting a program will display information about it in the right pane.

6. To remove a program from startup, select the program from the left pane and click the Remove button. Use the Disable button for programs you want to temporarily stop from starting when Windows starts. To make them active again, simply select the program and click the Enable button.



After removing a program from startup, you probably will want to stop it from running during your current session. Simply select Currently Running Programs from the Category dropdown. Next, select the program and click the End Process button.

How to use MSCONFIG
Built into Windows is a special tool called the "Microsoft System Configuration Utility" or simply "MSCONFIG." Designed to help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, MSCONFIG can also be used to ensure that your computer boots faster and crashes less.



Most people know that the more programs you have running on your computer at once, the more likely it is that your computer will either run slowly or even crash. What most people don't know is that every time you boot your computer a whole mess of "hidden" programs load in the background. Some of these hidden programs are essential, but most aren't. Turning off some of these hidden programs can significantly increase your computer's performance and reliability.

MSCONFIG on XP
Here is how to use MSCONFIG in Windows XP to disable some of the unnecessary programs that automatically load on start-up. Disabling these programs will help your computer boot faster and crash less.

1. In Windows XP, go to Start > Run


2. Type MSCONFIG in the "Open:" box and then either press enter on your keyboard or click on the OK button.


3. This launches Microsoft's System Configuration Utility. Click on the Startup tab (the tab at the far right).


4. This takes you to a page with a list of "startup items." Startup items are programs that are automatically loaded every time you turn on your computer. Some startup programs are absolutely necessary, others are simply a waste of RAM.


In Windows XP, all of Windows' essential programs are loaded through something called "Windows Services." This means that most of the startup items you see in XP are completely optional and can be turned off. However, a good rule of thumb is to disable only those programs that you recognize and don't need to have running all the time. When in doubt, leave it on. Or, better still, check out Paul "PacMan" Collins' huge "Startup Applications" list at http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php. This list of over 13,000 startup items you may encounter in MSCONFIG tells you which items are absolutely necessary, which items are optional, and which items you should definitely uncheck.

Here's a good example. On my computer I have a mess of MP3s and I listen to those MP3s with a program called WinAmp. For some reason or other, WinAmp decided that it should always be running on my computer even when I am not using the program. That's silly. To prevent WinAmp from automatically starting every time I boot my computer, I ran MSCONFIG and unchecked "WinampAgent." That's it.

Remember, disable only those programs that you recognize and don't need to have running all the time. When in doubt, leave it on.

5. Click on the OK button.

6. A message will pop up telling you that you must restart your computer before these changes will take effect. Click on "Yes" and your computer will automatically reboot.


7. That's it! Your computer should now boot faster and crash less.

And if you ever want to turn on any of the startup items you disabled with MSCONFIG, just run MSCONFIG again.

MSCONFIG on Vista
You can also use MSCONFIG on vista but the principle is more or less the same.

Disabling Unnecessary Windows Services
Here, is a small, but effective guide to help you identify those popular Windows services that you need to shutdown to regain some speed in your PC.

Uneeded Windows services that you can turn off:

• AdobeLM Service: Not all computers have this service, still it is useless, just disable it if you have it.
  
• Alerter: Disable this one if you are not on a network because you will not receive alerts.
  
• Application Management: Set this to manual.
  
• Automatic Updates: Disable it if you don't require auto updating and patching of Windows. It is pretty useless if you use auto-patcher by NeoWin to update your Windows OS. Thus, you will save bandwidth.
  
• ClipBook: Disable this if you are not on a network, since you don’t need to share anything.
  
• Computer Browser: Disable this too if you are not on a network, as you don't need to browse and monitor connected computers.
  
• Cryptographic Services: Set this to manual if you are not sure you need it.
  
• Distributed Transaction Service: Set this to manual.
  
• DNS Client: Set this to manual if you are not on a network.
  
• Error Reporting Service: Disable this useless service for reporting errors to Microsoft, because they will hardly even reply to you for any error you get. Also saves lots of bandwidth.
  
• Fast User Switching Compatibility: Disable it if you have only a single user on your computer, or if you do not use fast user switching feature much. That is, if you completely log-off and then allow other users to use your computer, then you do not need this. Note that this service is completely useless for low memory computers.
  
• FTP Publishing: Disable this if you do not use FTP.
  
• Help and Support: Set it to manual or turn it off if you do not use the help feature often. You can turn it on again when you want help.
  
• HTTP SSL: Set it to manual.
  
• Human Interface Device Access: Turn it off if you do not use hot-keys or remote systems on your computer; if you use them sometimes, it is better turn it to manual.
  
• IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service: Set this to manual to save memory and time. Do not turn it off if you have a CD writer or a DVD writer attached to your computer.
  
• Indexing Service: Turn it off, it uses lots of CPU. If you are an avid searcher, like a maniac, on your computer, leave it on since it will help you. If you know where your files are and do not use search that often, then disable it for your good.
  
• InstallDriver Table Manager: Disable it, it does no harm in doing so.
  
• IPSEC Services: Set this to manual.
  
• Windows Messenger: Disable this if you are not on a network, it uses too much memory and it is a hog. Also, it does no good and sometimes it is likely to become a security threat.
  
• MS Software Shadow Copy Provider: Set this to manual.
  
• Net Logon: Disable if you are not on a network.
  
• NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing: Disable this if you do not use Remote Desktop feature; in my opinion, it is a pretty useless feature.
  
• Network Provisioning Service: Disable this, iti s useless if you are not on a network.
  
• NT LM Security Support Provider: Disable this, its useless too.
  
• NVIDIA Display Driver Service: If you do not use the features of nVidia Desktop, this service must be disabled; it is a big hog of memory.
  
• Office Source Engine: Disable it if you have a MS Office CD handy always, its helpful if your installation goes corrupt.
  
• Portable Media Serial Number Service: Set it to manual if you connect portable media to your computer, otherwise disable it.
  
• Print Spooler: Disable it if you don’t have a printer.
  
• Protected Storage: Disable it if you don’t allow strangers to sit on your encrypted storage computer.
  
• Remote Desktop Help Session Manager: Disable it if you don’t use Remote Desktop feature for help and support from Microsoft which most probably is a "Yes".
  
• Remote Procedure Call Locator: Set it to manual.
  
• Remote Registry: Serious security threat if turned on, disable it no matter what.
  
• Removable Storage: Disable it if you don’t use removable storage drives, else turn it manual.
  
• Routing and Remote Access: Set it to manual.
  
• Secondary Logon: Useless feature for most, disable it or turn it manual.
  
• Security Accounts Manager: Disable it, it's pretty useless, unless you use NTFS Encryption.
  
• Security Center: Damn useless and irritating feature. Disable it.
  
• Server: Set it to manual or disable it if you are not on network.
  
• Smart Card: Disable it if you don’t use smart cards on your computer.
  
• SSDP Discovery Service: Disable it of not on network or don’t have UPnP devices on home networks.
  
• Task Scheduler: Disable it if you don’t schedule tasks like defragmentation, error scans etc… and plan to do it your self instead.
  
• TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Set it to manual if on network, otherwise disable it.
  
• Telnet: Set it to manual if you use this feature, otherwise disable it, especially if you are home users.
  
• Terminal Services: Since you aren’t using Remote Desktop etc… disable it for good.
  
• Uninterrupted Power Supply: Disable it if you don’t have an UPS attached to the serial port of your computer.
  
• Universal Plug and Play Device Host: Set it to manual.
  
• User Privilege Service: Set it to manual.
  
• Volume Shadow Copy: Disable it if you don’t backup using System Restore or Windows Backup.
  
• Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS): Disable this if you have another firewall such as Norton or Zone Alarm installed, otherwise let it remain ON for better security.
  
• Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) : If you don’t connect/use a camera/scanner with your computer, disable this service, else set it to manual.
  
• Windows Media Connect: Disable this if you don’t use things such as an iPod etc… for your Windows Media Player.
  
• Windows Media Connect (WMC) Helper: Disable this if you disabled the one above or if you don’t need help.
  
• Windows Time: Disable if not on a synchronized network.
  
• Wireless Zero Configuration: Disable if not on a wireless network.
  
• WMI Performance Adapters: Disable it, useless service for basic usage.
  
• Workstation: Disable if you aren’t on a network. Or simply, if you are a gamer, just shut this one.

Notes:
1. To enter service manager, go to Start > Run > Type services.msc and hit enter.

2. To toggle the startup type of a service between Automatic, Manual and Disabled, double-click on the required service and choose the specific option from the listbox titled ‘Startup Type’ in the General tab.

3. If you are unsure about a service or for some reason, think it's important, leave it alone or turn it to manual instead of disabling. It will help protect from damage.

4. Completely mastering service management is a task possible only by trial and error.

5. There are risks involved in turning down important services, better read the description before attempting to change a service’s startup type.

Fix, Clean and Maintain your Registry with Registry Mechanic
With Registry Mechanic you can safely clean, repair and optimize the Windows® registry with a few simple mouse clicks! Problems with the Windows® registry are a common cause of Windows® crashes, slow performance and error messages. By using a registry cleaner regularly and fixing registry errors your system should not only be more stable but it will also help improve your system performance without expensive hardware upgrades.

And because im nice ive uploaded a copy of registry mechanic with a serial, and you can get this here: http://tinyurl.com/37tff4 Just unrar and enjoy

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Please post any other ways you can help your pc and i will update this thread to help even more people.

[Phantom707]

A good tip would be to disable some startup programs, whether it be through the program's options, or through some other method.

[Dizzy]

Originally Posted by Phantom707

A good tip would be to disable some startup programs, whether it be through the program's options, or through some other method.

Indeed. The old selective startup on msconfig. (Start->run->msconfig)

[Stuart]

Thanks ill add them too. Any other ways?

[Dragod]

Here's what Microsoft Help says on Windows Vista:

[Stuart]

Thanks for adding that Dragod, that will help some vista users

[Dragod]

It helped me many times... I got sick of closing Quicktime in my taskbar every time I restarted my computer.

[Phantom707]

Well, an obvious one would be to buy more random access memory, but I think that you should still put that down in case a person comes along that does not realize it.

[Dragod]

Well, obviously. But for me, I don't want to spend $90 to upgrade a dying Laptop... I just hope it holds out until I can get a new computer.

[Gregory]

Best Buy has been having some good sub $500 deals lately.

Originally Posted by Dragod

Well, obviously. But for me, I don't want to spend $90 to upgrade a dying Laptop... I just hope it holds out until I can get a new computer.

[YERCELL]

Originally Posted by Dragod

Well, obviously. But for me, I don't want to spend $90 to upgrade a dying Laptop... I just hope it holds out until I can get a new computer.

Yeah, I'm the same boat right now.

[Marshillboy]

Cite. Your. Sources!!! Don't take credit for the work of others. Here is a PARTIAL list of your sources:

http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx
www.ehow.com/how_2070771_speed-up-pc.html
http://www.pctipsbox.com/vista-use-d...rtup-programs/
www.dlthe.net/Forum/index.php?showtopic=754

Seriously. -_-

Originally Posted by Marshillboy

Cite. Your. Sources!!! Don't take credit for the work of others. Here is a PARTIAL list of your sources:

http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx
www.ehow.com/how_2070771_speed-up-pc.html
http://www.pctipsbox.com/vista-use-d...rtup-programs/
www.dlthe.net/Forum/index.php?showtopic=754

Seriously. -_-

Honestly I don't think we need to. I know that legally you are supposed too but you are also not supposed to DL stuff illegally which this site has plenty of. So I would consider that to be ok. Good finds though Stuart, and thank you for combining it into one central location!

[Jon]

Thanks, I freed 12.8gb on my hard drive just with Disk Cleanup

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Marshillboy

Cite. Your. Sources!!! Don't take credit for the work of others. Here is a PARTIAL list of your sources:

http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx
www.ehow.com/how_2070771_speed-up-pc.html
http://www.pctipsbox.com/vista-use-d...rtup-programs/
www.dlthe.net/Forum/index.php?showtopic=754

Seriously. -_-

Yeah sorry about that, although i did say i searched around a bit. And as lacrosse_man16 said i was helping people out by combining it into one central location.

[Super Person]

Thanks, nice compilation

[+rep]