Tweaking Windows XP Pro SP2

A few suggestions and instructions on how to speedup and tighten the security (just a little bit) on your Windows XP computer. These steps apply to Windows XP Pro SP2, but should work with any version of XP. Some of these suggestions can crash your system, so be careful. Hit the Cancel button if something scares you - nothing here is really necessary.
All constructive comment are welcome. If you spot an error, especially one that might screw things up, please let me know.




Change log:
2007-10-23: Original publication
2007-10-23: Unpublished by staff for lack of illustrations.
2007-10-24 & 25: Added some screenshots.

Step 1 Get Rid Of The Bling, Check Your Hardware, Make Sure Auto-Update Is On

1) Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Or Open the System control panel.
2) Click the Advanced tab. (see 1st picture 01-01-01.png)
3) Click the Settings button in the Performance section. (see 2nd & 3rd pictures 01-01-02a.png, 01-01-02b.png)
4) Visual Effects is the default tab, so select Adjust for best performance. Check the features you can't live without - I use Smooth edges of screen fonts, Smooth-scroll list boxes, Use common tasks in folders - YMMV. Don't worry about the Advanced or Data Execution Prevention tabs.
5) Click the Apply button, then the OK button.
6) While you have the System Properties control panel open, click the Hardware tab
(see 4th picture 01-01-03.png)
and then click the Device Manager button. If you see any red X's or yellow ?'s, you have a hardware/driver problem that you need to look into. Not going to fix it now, so close the window. (see 5th pic 01-01-04.png)
7) Now let's see how Automatic Updates is set up - click on the appropriate tab. I use Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them; use what is appropriate for your situation, but make sure it's not turned off. (see 6th pic 01-01-05.png)
8) Last, but not least, click the Remote tab and uncheck both boxes if you don't think you need to give someone else control of your computer. (see last pic 01-01-06.png)

Comments

[drewgrey]

I have been following the advice of "black viper" for a few years in regards to services. Also Been a fan of ccleaner . Free is good . Free that works is great.

[Punkguyta]

 Gasp, you have programs you don't want us to see eh?!?

[cornflaker]

Meh. Automatic updates suck all they seem to do is slow down your computer, Just get a good av program (I use AVG)

[NachoMahma]

. If Windows auto-update is slowing your computer down, then something is wrong with your setup. It is NOT a good idea to turn it off - it provides valuable security updates. . No antivirus app can protect you from everything. AV apps, even the great AVG, are only one part of the strategy - just like auto-update.

[cornflaker]

It's not windows update itself, it's the actual updates. My computer always seem to run a lot faster before i install the updates. So whenever I format, I just turn them off straight away and I haven't had a virus that my av can't handle since. It's just up to personal choice I guess, I don't need them so I don't use them.

[xACIDITYx]

Well, there are a few auto-updates that aren't really necessary, but, for example, I've came across a few computers that couldn't connect to the internet without Service Pack 2, so sometimes said updates can fix bugs, etc.

[cornflaker]

Well do I install service packs, Infact when its time I slipstream them onto a copy of my windows disk and do a clean install, Its just the automatic updates that I don't get so my OS isn't that out of date

[cornflaker]

Oh yeah good Instructable by the way. And Avg is awesome ;) I just have a different opinion on the Auto updates.

[Yerboogieman]

does this also works for enterprise edition?

[NachoMahma]

. I don't know. I've never used Enterprise Edition. Most of the tweaks should work. I'd shy away from messing with Services until you find out - most everything else should be safe. Don't delete anything (just turn it off) and keep a record of any changes you make.

[Yerboogieman]

it took me forever to get enterprise, it costs SO much. but yeah i'll keep that in mind.

[mistermature]

Just thought I would add that Remote Desktop is unavailable in XP Home. XP Home allows for Remote Assistance requests which work through Windows Messenger and have to be sent out by the user but if you are nervous about it, you can turn it off using the same instructions above.

[NachoMahma]

. Thanks for the update.