Optimize XP with
Optimum
XP by Roemer Software
Tweak Descriptions
PERFORMANCE TWEAKS:
Faster CPU Response, (Higher priority)
Gives priority to foreground processes.
Free Up Ram, (Disable Indexing Service, uses lots of system resources)
Aids Windows Search Companion, is not a necessity.
Free Up RAM, (Unload unnecessary dll's)
Unloads unused .dll files used by applications that have shut down, rather than keeping them in memory "just
in case" they're needed later.
Much Faster Performance, keeps XP kernel always loaded in RAM,
(Use if you have at least 256 MB RAM)
Keeps Windows core components loaded in RAM rather than paging to disk.
Faster File System Disk Caching, (Use if you have at least 256
MB RAM)
Allocates more RAM for file system operations.
Faster File System Performance, (Tweaks 3 NTFS (New Technology File System) settings)
Optimizes 3 file system operations for better efficiency.
Faster Performance on a large file, print server network, Use
Large System Cache, (Uncheck for Standalone)
Network servers require more memory for file caching and desktop computers require more memory for running software.
Increase Contiguous File Allocation Size, (Helps reduce file fragmentation,
better memory utilization)
So that files can be located in one area for faster access rather than being fragmented.
Decrease Windows Protected System File Cache, (Frees 100 MB space
but less backup system files stored)
The default cache size is approximately 400 MB, this reduces it to 300 MB.
Create Separate Processes for Desktop and Explorer, (So that a
failure in one doesn't affect the other)
Normally they are linked and can interfere with each other.
Create Separate Processes for Explorer Shell and File Manager,
(Better memory use)
Allows them to operate independently for better efficiency.
Disable Prefetch for Troubleshooting, (Unchecked Recommended for
Fast Boot and Program Load)
Leaving prefetch enabled will result in much faster booting and application loading.
Disable Auto Disk Optimization, Defragmenter, (Unchecked Recommended
for Fast Boot and Program Load)
Leaving Automatic Disk Optimization, (Defragmenter), enabled keeps your files from becoming fragmented. XP uses
idle time for this operation.
Faster Explorer View Refresh and System Policy Speed Tweaks
Less delay on refresh and changing folders and overall system operations.
Faster Window Response, (Turn off window animation)
More efficient, frees up resources.
Faster Display of Menus, (Less delay)
More efficient, frees up resources.
Reduce Keyboard Buffer Overflow Errors, (Increase buffer size)
Doubles the buffer size to help prevent keyboard related errors.
Reduce Mouse Buffer Overflow Errors, (Increase buffer size)
Doubles the buffer size to help prevent mouse related errors.
Faster Hung Application Timeout, (5 X faster)
Less wait time for hung applications.
Faster Wait to Kill Application Timeout, (5 X faster)
Less wait time for hung applications.
Automatically Close Non-Responding Applications at Shutdown
Proper way to shut down.
Faster Shutdown, (Shorter delay time)
Four times faster than the default setting.
Faster Shutdown, (Directly to Power Off, (If your BIOS supports
this method))
Can also help if you're having trouble shutting down completely.
Clear Page File at Shutdown, (Wipe sensitive data, free hard drive
space)
Clears out page file, virtual memory stored on hard drive. Better security, more disk space.
Disable Automatic Reboot on Blue Screen Errors, (aka Stop Errors,
Unchecked Recommended)
Allows you to attempt to correct the error.
INTERNET - NETWORK TWEAKS:
Harden TCP/IP Stack Against Network Denial of Service Attacks,
(Better Protection but Lower Performance)
Modifies several security settings to help protect your network.
Faster Internet Browsing with 4 DNS Cache Tweaks
Optimizes DNS cache size settings for faster performance.
Faster Internet Browsing, (Increase the Maximum Number of HTTP
connections allowed to a single server)
Increases simultaneous downloading connections for HTML content and images.
Note: Increasing the default values is a violation of the HTTP protocol. Some servers may be programmed to automatically
enforce the standard limits.
Faster Broadband Cable and DSL Connections, (Tweaks 7 settings)
Optimizes TCP receive window size, Time to Live for packets and more.
Disable DHCP Client, (Leave Enabled for Internet Connection Sharing
or for DSL, Cable)
Receives dynamic IP address for Internet access. Required for Internet Connection Sharing and required for most
DSL/Cable connections.
DisableTCP/IP NetBIOS Helper, (Uncheck, Enable if using DHCP Client
or online multiplayer games)
Usually not needed but disabling could deny access to online game servers.
Less TCP/IP Data Re-Transmissions before aborting connection,
(Free up resources faster)
Use 3 re-transmission attempts instead of the default 5.
Let TCP release a closed connection sooner, (Free up resources
faster)
Wait 30 seconds instead of the 4 minute default value.
Disable IPSEC Services, Manages IP security policy, (Uncheck,
Enable for Better Internet Packet Security)
Frees up resources if disabled.
Disable DNS Client Service, (Uncheck, Enable if using IPSEC above)
Disables (DNS), Domain Name System client service caching of domain names / IP addresses.
Disable QoS, (Quality of Service) RSVP, Internet Load Balancing,
(Unchecked, Manual Recommended)
No load balancing if disabled. Sometimes needed for Media Player and NetMeeting.
Disable Internet Firewall And Internet Connection Sharing, (Unchecked,
Enabled Recommended)
Enabled recommended for Internet / network security.
Disable Application Layer Gateway Service, (Set the Same as Disable
Internet Firewall..., shown above)
This service is required if using Internet Firewall And Internet Connection Sharing.
Disable Network Location Awareness, (Set the Same as Disable Internet
Firewall..., shown above)
This service is required if using Internet Connection Sharing, (for server only).
Faster CPU Response, (Enable the Network Adapter Onboard Processor,
if you have one)
Helps reduce the load on the CPU if on a network.
Enable Routing and Remote Access, (Uncheck for Standalone, Check
for Manual if on a Network)
Not needed if not on a network.
Disable Workstation, (Secure but No Network Capabilities, Unchecked
Recommended)
Not needed if not on a network.
Disable Net Logon, (Set the Same as Workstation shown above, Unchecked
Recommended)
Not needed if not on a network.
Disable Secondary Logon Service, (Better Security if Disabled)
Disables the ability to start processes under alternate credentials.
Disable Terminal Services, (Uncheck, Enable for most Remote Communication
or Server Functions)
Not needed if not on a network.
Disable Server Service, (Unchecked Allows File and Print Sharing
on a Network)
Disabling the service frees up resources if not on a network.
Disable NT LM Security Support Provider, (Unchecked, Manual Recommended
for security)
If disabled it could allow a non-administrative user to have administrative control over the system.
Needed with Telnet Server and Message Queing.
Disable Telnet Service, (XP Pro Only), (If Enabled, needs NT LM
Security Support Provider shown above)
Enabled allows network users access to the network server.
Disable Fast User Switching Compatibility, (Usually is only beneficial
for large number of users)
Free up resources if you don't need to switch users and leave applications running.
Disable NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing for Better Security,
(Uncheck to use in a corporate Intranet)
Disabling the service frees up resources if not on a network.
Disable Remote Desktop Help Session Manager, (Uncheck for default
Manual, if on a network)
Free up resources if you don't need to use this feature.
Disable ClipBook Service, (For sending data snippets on a network)
Used for Copy/Paste functions between computers on a network.
Disable Network DDE for Better Security, (Uncheck, Enable to use
ClipBook and similar)
Disables Dynamic Data Exchange, (DDE).
Disable Network DDE DSDM, (Uncheck, Enable to use ClipBook and
similar)
Disables Dynamic Data Exchange Share Database Manager.
Disable Network Computer Browser, (Usually not needed unless on
a corporate network)
Frees up resources.
Disable Background Intelligent Transfer Service, (Uses idle network
bandwidth to transfer data)
Needs to be enabled for Windows Update and is sometimes needed for other applications to communicate when online.
Disable Distributed Link Tracking Client, (Usually not needed
unless on a corporate network)
Updates links to files on remote computers when file locations change. Disabling frees up approximately 4 MB of
RAM.
Disable Distributed Transaction Coordinator, (Usually not needed
unless on a corporate network)
Required if using Message Queuing.
Disable DCOM, (Method for network applications to communicate)
DCOM, Distributed Component Object Model. Not needed if not on a network.
Disable Remote Network Access Auto Connection Manager, (Uncheck
for default Manual, if on a network)
May be required for your Internet access.
Disable Upload Manager, (Manages file transfers on network)
Free up resources if not on a network.
Disable Network Alerter, (Usually not needed unless on a corporate network)
Notifies users of administrative alerts on a network.
Remove Hand Icon for Shared Resources
Hides icon, uncheck to show.
SECURITY TWEAKS:
Disable Universal Plug and Play Device Host for Better Security,
(Unchecked is Manual)
Enable UPnP if you need to use the devices on your network.
Disable Universal Plug and Play, SSDP Discovery Service for Better
Security, (Unchecked is Manual)
Enable UPnP if you need to use the devices on your network.
Disable WebClient for Better Internet Security, (WebClient is
usually not needed)
Internet Explorer will perform the same services more easily.
Disable Remote Registry Modifications, (XP Pro Only), (Checked
Recommended)
Enabling remote registry modifications is not needed for running most applications and leaves your computer very
vulnerable.
Avoid Accidental Registry Imports, (Double Click on .REG files
will open for Edit instead of Import)
Protects against unintentional Registry modifications.
Avoid Accidental Batch File Run, (Double Click on .BAT files will
open for Edit instead of Running)
Better protection.
Hide Last User Name at Logon
Hide Current User Name from Start Menu
Hide All Programs from the Start Menu
Don't Add Most Frequently Used Programs to the Start Menu
Disable Automatic Command Line Completion
For Start > Run...
Disable Automatic Command Line Path Completion
For Start > Run...
Don't Automatically Save Encrypted Passwords for Web, Email, etc., (Save Manually)
Disable Right-Click Pop-Up Context Menus for Desktop and Explorer
Disable Right-Click Pop-Up Context Menus for Start Menu, Taskbar and System Tray
Clear Recent Documents List on Windows exit
HARDWARE - SOFTWARE TWEAKS:
Disable Detection of Accidental Double Clicks in Explorer
Show Favorites on the Start Menu
Show My Recent Documents on the Start Menu
Show Administrative Tools on the Start Menu and All Programs,
(Uncheck to hide)
Easy Access, Cascade Control Panel on the Start Menu, (Instead
of just a link)
Easy Access, Cascade My Computer on the Start Menu, (Instead of
just a link)
Easy Access, Cascade My Music on the Start Menu, (Instead of just
a link)
Easy Access, Cascade My Documents on the Start Menu, (Instead
of just a link)
Easy Access, Cascade My Pictures on the Start Menu, (Instead of
just a link)
Show Similar Taskbar Buttons Separately, (Default is Unchecked,
Group Similar Buttons)
Disable Taskbar Animations, (Free up resources)
Hide Desktop Icons
Remove Shortcut Arrow from All Shortcut Icons
Increase Icon Cache Size, (Reduces icon display errors due to cache overflow)
Use if the wrong icons are being displayed.
Disable Thumbnail Cache, (Free up memory)
Disable Automatic Iconic View of Bitmap Files in Thumbnails view,
(Free up resources)
Disable Explorer Thumbnail View, (Free up resources)
Disable Automatic Resize of Images in Internet Explorer
Disable Smooth Scrolling in Windows, (Free up resources)
Don't Show Window Contents While Dragging, (Only show outline)
Disable Font Smoothing, (Uncheck to use Clear Type, best font
resolution)
Hide File Extensions in Explorer
Show Hidden Folders and Files
Show Hidden Operating System Files
Allow Search for Hidden Files and Folders
Normal search setting doesn't include hidden files and folders.
Use Classic Search in Explorer, (Instead of new Search Assistant)
Remember 1,000 Custom Folder View Settings, (Instead of default
400)
Show File and Folder Names Using Correct Case, (Otherwise, some
8.3 show improperly)
Hide Go Button in Internet Explorer
Use Classic Search in Internet Explorer, (Instead of new Search
Assistant)
Enable the Internet Explorer Script Debugger
Enable Automatic Updates Check for Internet Explorer
Disable Windows Messenger
Disable Online Microsoft Help and Support
Disable Windows Automatic Updates Service, (System can still be Updated Manually)
Show Detailed Information During Windows Update Process, (Debug Mode)
Can give you better insight as to what occurs and help to find the cause of any errors encountered.
Disable Windows Error Reporting Service, (Sends error information
to Microsoft)
Disable Office XP/2000 Error Reporting Service, (Sends error information
to Microsoft)
Hide Pop-Up Balloon Tips, (Windows Update Reminder, etc.)
Disable Low Disk Space Notification, (Stop Reminders)
Disable System Event Notification, (Might need to be Enabled,
Unchecked for some applications)
Hide System and Application Pop-Up Error Messages
Disable Beep for Errors
Disable Desktop Cleanup Wizard, (Stop Reminders)
Disable Task Scheduler for Defrag, etc., (Can still run tasks
manually)
Disable CoolSwitch, (Alt + Tab), Application Swapping
Disable Windows Automatic Time Set
Disable Recycle Bin, (Use NukeOnDelete, Instant Deletion)
Show More Detailed Information in Device Manager
Show All Hidden Devices in Device Manager, (Installed devices
but not currently connected, such as USB)
Enable DVD Play in Windows Media Player
Disable CD-ROM Autorun Function
Disable CD Burning
Disable Portable Media Serial Number Retrieval, (Uncheck, Enable
if media file transfer problems)
Faster Load of Outlook Express, (If Windows Messenger is Disabled)
Minimize Outlook to the System Tray instead of the Taskbar
Will help keep your Taskbar uncluttered.
Read Messages as Plain Text in Outlook, (Instead of HTML that
could contain viruses)
Don't Show Unread Mail Message on the Welcome Screen
Disable Automatic Modem Connections at Windows and Application
Startups
Will prevent automatically attempting to go online at startups.
Disable ICQ Automatic Update
Can update manually.
Prevent Office Clipboard Toolbar from Appearing
Disable Document Editing Time Tracking for Office Documents
Enable 4 Digit Year in Microsoft Excel, (Instead of 2 Digit Year)
Disable Office XP/2000 Assistants
Live Scrolling in Microsoft Word, (See moves instantly)
Increase Caret, (Cursor), width used for text editing
Use a 2 pixel wide caret rather than standard 1 pixel.
Increase Priority of Printing, (Faster for heavy users of printing)
Disable Printer Server Browse Thread, (No shared printer information
sent to other print servers)
Enable Pop-Up Print Job Notification Messages
Manually Detect and React to New Devices, (Automatic, Unchecked
Recommended)
Disable Wireless Zero Configuration, (Provides automatic configuration
for 802.11 wireless network adapters)
Disable Smart Card Service, (Manages access to smart cards)
Disable Smart Card Helper, (Manages access to smart card readers
that don't support Plug and Play)
Disable MS Software Shadow Copy Provider, (Free up resources,
Uncheck if using MS Backup Utility)
Disable Volume Shadow Copy Service, (Free up resources, Uncheck
if using MS Backup Utility)
Disable Logging of Last Successful Startup
Disable Logging of System Crash in System Log
Disable Creation of System Crash Dump File
Disable Performance Logs and Alerts, (Unchecked is Manual)
Cheat at Hearts, (Hold down Shift + Ctrl + Alt + F12 at the same
time)
If you need a little extra help, this lets you show all of the cards on the table.
Press all 4 keys again to hide.
(To make this tweak work you have to have played at least one game and exited).
Several great tweaks courtesy of Morgan Webb at TechTV.com
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