Optimizing the operation of the Windows XP operating system. Windows Secrets - Windows XP - How to speed up Windows XP

Having purchased Windows disk, and also having installed it on their computer, many notice that the developers have configured the system to achieve its greatest compatibility at the expense of performance. But I would like the computer to boot faster, and programs to turn on sooner, and when opening pages on the Internet, the computer “thinks” less. This is why you have to change the Windows operating parameters yourself. Now we will describe this whole process.

Resizing pagefile.sys

In modern computers (laptops), to determine the size of this file, users run all frequently turned on programs on the computer (laptop) software applications. In each downloaded program it opens largest file. Then, which will show the amount of occupied RAM space (Performance tab). To the amount of occupied RAM space, you need to add another 20% of memory (for unforeseen situations) and subtract the amount of RAM installed on the computer from the result. The resulting result is the volume of pagefile.sys.

To set the size of pagefile.sys, go to the “System” control panel, open the “Advanced” tab and there click the “Options” button on the “Performance” tab. In the window that opens, open the “Advanced” tab.

Click the change button in the “ Virtual memory" Next, exit the pagefile.sys modification window and redirect in the “Performance Options” window Windows performance in favor background services. This will make switching between apps faster and multitasking smoother.

Disable all graphic excesses

To do this, go to the “Visual effects” tab and adjust there to maximum performance. In the list of effects, all items will have no checkmarks. Then you can select and enable the “Display window contents while dragging” option (a very convenient option to work with).

Disables debugging information

In the control panel, open the “System” again, and in it - the “Advanced” tab. Next, click on the “Restore and Setup” button. In this window, disable “Saving debugging information” and uncheck the “save events in the log” and “send administrative alerts” checkboxes. After this, press the button “ Environment Variables"in the "Advanced" tab and there the TMP and TEMP variables are set with the values ​​C:\TEMP (this is done twice: for the system and for users as a whole). After this, the folder C:\TEMP is created and we restart the computer (laptop).

Setting up the desktop

Open Control Panel and go to Screen. In the window that opens, select the Classic Windows theme and remove the picture from it ( main reason computer slowdown). Click OK.

Unnecessary programs are removed

First, the MSN Messenger app is uninstalled. To do this, click on Start, open Run and enter what is shown in the figure.

Then the Notepad application opens, and in it - the sysoc.inf file (inf folder in the Windows root folder). In this file, change the line “hide” to “,” After that, open “Add or Remove Programs” in the Control Panel and remove everything you need.

Disable the welcome screen

The Welcome Screen is, of course, beautiful, but it consumes computer resources and slows down the loading of the computer (laptop) by more than 5 seconds. So, if there is no need to quickly change users, you can open the Control Panel, and in it – User’s accounts and, after clicking on “change login method”, uncheck two “checkboxes”. This will speed up the system boot time.

Setting up disks

You can reduce disk fragmentation and also disable disk indexing. In this case, the file search systems built into Windows will be unavailable, and the size of blocks selected for writing files will increase. All this will significantly increase the performance of Windows. To perform this operation, you must click Start, open Run and enter regedit in the input field. In the window that opens system registry you need to go to the FileSystem section (see figure below) and change the parameter values:

Each operating system is installed, by default, with its own set of settings, which are far from optimal for ordinary users. This set is more aimed at people who were getting acquainted with an operating system such as Windows for the first time. If you don’t know how to set up Windows xp, then read on. In turn, I’ll tell you how, in my opinion, setup and optimization should look like.

I think many people have come across a window with a notification that some kind of error has occurred and with the question “Send” or “Do not send” a report describing the error, doubting that anyone has sent at least one such report to Microsoft :). I’ll tell you a secret, no one there is even waiting for your report, this was relevant at a time when Windows XP had just come out and, using them, the developers refined the bugs and errors that were made and released new updates with all the fixes. But the majority got used to such a message, and out of habit they clicked “Do not send”, not knowing that the appearance of this window can simply be turned off.

Also, at startup, a standard set of services is loaded, which many users do not even use; as a result, they take up some of the resources, such as RAM, while reducing the speed and performance of your computer. Or when launching an application that is connected to the Internet, it was blocked by the firewall, as a result of which this application was simply abandoned.

To avoid such unpleasant moments, in this article you will learn how to optimize and configure Windows XP for fast and comfortable work with your computer.

Setting up Windows XP SP3

1.Disable automatic updates.

The first step in setting this up is to disable updates, because Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows XP, so you don’t have to wait for new updates.

2. Disable Windows Firewall.

To avoid blocking any programs, disable Windows Firewall

3.Setting Date and Time.

We exhibit correct date and time and on the next tab we select the time zone we need. In the “Internet Time” tab, uncheck the box to synchronize time with the Internet.

4. “Taskbar and Start Menu.”

By right-clicking on “Start” and selecting “Properties”, check and uncheck the boxes as shown below. But whoever likes this item is a setting appearance“Start”, this is just the optimal setting for me.

5.Internet properties.

In the “General” tab in the “Address” line we can indicate our home page for the browser or just write “about:blank” to display a blank window. For temporary files, we set a small size so that the “C:\” drive does not become clogged in the future.

Go to “Contents” by clicking on the “Autofill” button and uncheck the “username and passwords” box.

In the “Advanced” tab, check the boxes as indicated in the screenshot.

In general, check the box to use regular Windows folders as a result, it will be removed graphic menu on the right when opening any folders, but if you are comfortable working with it, we leave everything as is. Go to the “View” tab and check and uncheck the selected items.

7. “Network connections.”

IN network connections turn off the QoS packet scheduler; you won’t need it for your home computer. And put a checkmark at the bottom of the window to display the connection status. By clicking on “Properties” we set the IP address to be received automatically ( Some providers give their users static IP addresses, in which case you will need to configure the settings provided by your provider manually).

8.Setting System Properties.

We customize visual effects depending on the amount of RAM. Below are recommendations for computers with 256MB of memory.

Going to “Advanced”, click “Options” where we uncheck the boxes for sending administrative notifications and executing automatic reboot in case of a failure or error with a blue screen. In the “Error Reporting” menu, disable it.

I think that it is unlikely that anyone will connect to you remotely, so we simply disable this item.

To restore the system, we install only the “C:\” drive for monitoring and set about 10% of the reserve space on the disk ( if your system is located on the “D:\” drive, then select only it accordingly).

We turn off all notifications from the security center, which constantly shouts that the antivirus is not installed and the computer is in danger.

10. "Screen"

Go to desktop settings where we disable automatic cleaning every 60 days. Next, we remove the screen saver by indicating in the “No” field, and go to the “Power Options” item - for stationary machines we disable “sleep mode”, and on the “Options” tab we configure optimal resolution screen.

11. “Language and regional standards”

In this menu we set the location and language standards, and on the “Advanced” tab we set the language to “Russian”.

12."Services"

To speed up your computer and turn it on, you must configure Windows services xp, to do this, set the following services to “Disabled”:

• Machine Debug Manager (will appear after installing the MS Office package);
• Automatic update(due to lack of Windows support XP);
• Wireless setup (for laptops, leave it on);
• Source uninterruptible power supply(if there is no UPS);
• Smart Card Helper module;
• Smart cards;
• Service remote control registry (it is unlikely that someone will tinker with your registry remotely);
• Compatibility fast switching users;
• Help and support (The service is always on but is usually never used);

Here is approximately the main list of services that can be disabled on home computer. Of course, for each computer you can choose a couple more, depending on how it will be used.

I also forgot to describe one point, after installation, the “Get to know Windows” window constantly appears in the lower right corner, just click on it and wait until the browser opens with a description of XP, but if you close it with a cross, the next time you reboot it will appear again. Also, if you have not yet installed necessary drivers I recommend reading the article installing drivers for Windows XP. That's the main point Windows setup xp ends, in my opinion the OS should look like this after installation. What would you add or remove from the guide described above?

On an old computer under Windows control XP can work fine if you follow a few tips and optimize software. How to speed up work and loading Windows XP? After these simple procedures described below, you will notice a real difference in the speed of loading and operation of your computer.

In the article we will talk about really weak PCs, and we will give simple settings to increase . So, let's get started making Windows XP boot and run faster:

Tidying up your desktop

Some of your precious RAM is taken up by desktop wallpapers and screen saver. To speed up and run Windows XP, it is better to remove the wallpaper: “Desktop” - “Right mouse button” - “Properties” - “Desktop” - “Background picture” - “(none)”.

On the right, you can select the desktop fill color, which does not affect performance in any way. We also disable the screensaver: “Desktop” - “Right mouse button” - “Properties” - “Screen saver” - “Select a screensaver from the list” - “(none)”.

Slightly reduce color quality

This is done like this: “Desktop” - “Right mouse button” - “Properties” - “Options” - “Color quality”. In the settings, select “Medium” (usually does not exceed 16 bits). The load on the video card will be significantly reduced, and your eyes will not even notice the changes.

Change the design style and turn off visual effects

If you want to achieve maximum speed loading and running Windows XP, you will have to sacrifice beauty in favor of an outdated classic design style. “Desktop” - “Right mouse button” - “Properties” - “Appearance” - “Windows and buttons” - “Classic style”.

You can also significantly increase Windows performance XP if you turn off all visual effects. This is done through “My Computer” - “Right Mouse Button” - “Properties” - “Advanced” - “Performance” - “Options” - “Visual Effects” - “Ensure the best performance.”

cleaning startup

To speed up the loading of Windows XP, you need to remove it from startup unnecessary programs. Many programs are added to startup during installation (Skype, ICQ, etc.), that is, they are launched when the computer is turned on. How more programs in startup, the slower the computer boots. Therefore, programs that you do not need immediately after booting your computer need to be disabled. They can always be launched later.

Autoloading is configured via msconfig utility. “Start” - “Run” - “msconfig” - “Enter”. The “System Settings” window will open, select “Startup”. Now we remove the checkmarks from those applications whose autorun you do not need.

If you have a lot of programs in startup, then Windows XP will load much faster, and the amount of free RAM will increase, which will have a positive effect on work speed.

We clean the system disk in a timely manner

Follow on system disk(most often drive C), for normal operation The system requires at least 300 MB.

These simple steps can significantly increase the loading and operating speed of Windows XP, after which you will have a much more enjoyable time working on your computer.

We have one PC at home, two laptops (one very old) and a netbook, two of them have Windows XP installed. Some of the following tips for optimizing the system, found on the vast expanses of the Internet, were useful to me. Maybe they will be useful for you too?

Tip 1. Getting rid of unnecessary things on the Desktop.

Beautiful picture and large number shortcuts take up a certain amount of memory because they are always displayed on the screen. Therefore, on “weak” computers, first of all, we can advise you to remove background picture from the desktop and, if possible, clear the desktop of unnecessary shortcuts.

Advice 2. We reduce the quality of color rendering.

In the screen properties, on the "Options" tab, from the drop-down list, select the Medium (16-bit) level of "Color Rendering Quality". The difference will not be very noticeable to your eye. But the load on the graphics subsystem of your computer will noticeably decrease. With a resolution of 1024x768, you will thus save about 1.5MB of memory.

Advice 3. Setting up the user interface.

If you have an old computer or don’t need all the beauties of Windows XP, or just like the good old Windows 2000 interface, then switch the window and button design style from “Windows XP” to “Classic style” in “Display Properties”.

Experiment with the settings in more detail user interface You can go to "System Properties" on the "Advanced" tab, in the "Performance" section, on the "Visual Effects" tab. You can choose the visual effects you need. And discard unnecessary ones - and thereby reduce the load on your computer.

Advice 4. Disable unnecessary automatic startup programs.

One of the reasons Windows XP slows down, at least at startup, is automatically downloaded programs. These may be elements of some programs, the icons of which you can see in the lower right part of the screen.

You need some things. You constantly have to get rid of some, not very useful ones, by closing them manually.

And then the thought flashes: is it possible to simply turn off all these unnecessary things?

By removing unnecessary shortcuts, you will stop automatic start some programs.

What should you do if you have cleaned startup, but some icons in the taskbar continue to bother you?

Execute "Start-Run", in the window that appears, write MSCONFIG and press ENTER on the keyboard.

Uncheck the boxes unnecessary programs, and the next time we start we see that there are fewer icons in the “Taskbar”. This means that Windows will load a little faster, and there will be a little more free RAM.

Advice 5. Disable unnecessary services.

What else you should pay attention to when optimizing Windows XP is the system services that start by default.

Services are special programs, which implement various functions operating system.

From unnecessary services you can get rid of it. Why waste CPU time and RAM computer to start and run unnecessary services?

Select “Start-Control Panel-Administration-Services” and get into the service management console of our computer.

To view services we can use the Standard view. True, for convenience, you need to expand the window to full screen and expand the “Description” field.

Or you can use the Advanced view by selecting the appropriate tab at the bottom of the window.

By double-clicking on the selected service, you can determine the Startup Type: Auto, Manual or Disabled.

I will list the services that, in my opinion, can be disabled or the startup type can be changed to manual mode, to improve the performance of your computer.

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing;

QoS RSVP;

Telnet;

Automatic update;

Wireless setup;

Print spooler (if there is no printer);

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager;

Uninterruptible power supply;

Task Scheduler;

Windows Time Service;

Service serial numbers portable multimedia devices;

Messaging Service;

Terminal Services;

Smart cards;

Remote registry.

Before disabling, it is useful to look at the Dependencies tab to ensure that disabling a service will not affect other services.

Today we will talk about why optimization of Windows XP is needed and what points it actually consists of. Many modern programs also support work in XP, which indicates its relevance even today.

Some users use Windows XP on modern hardware - there's nothing wrong with that, but in this case Windows optimization XP for increasing productivity is of dubious benefit - it will already work very quickly. Very much because modern computers tens of times more powerful than those for which Windows XP was developed.

Personally, I have already switched to Windows 10 (one might even say that it was forced), but I would never have thought that I would ever leave my beloved Windows XP, with which I spent more than ten years of my life. Well, that’s all lyrics, let’s move on directly to optimization. As I already wrote, even if you don’t configure anything after clean install(provided that you have at least 1 GB of RAM and at least a dual-threaded processor - I mean Hyper-threading technology) then high performance Windows XP is already provided for you. But there is no limit to perfection - you can do it even faster, and today I will tell you how.

Where can Windows XP optimization come in handy? better performance?

Optimizing Windows XP Performance

There are several ways to increase the performance of Windows XP, the main ones I will list below. Will the effect be strong? Well, to be honest, it’s noticeable. Personally, before, when I used XP, I used all the methods, I also advise you to try them, there is nothing complicated, at least I’ll try accessible language describe everything.