Windows XP tweaks I use

[NelsonN]

If you have a network card with a built-in processor, then add this setting into your registry. It will release the computer's CPU from processing network processes:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters]
"DisableTaskOffload"=dword:00000000


If you have 256 megabytes or more you will probably want to disable page cacheing (cacheingDisablePagingExecutive), this reduces the amount of hard drive swappage, also, to keep the XP kernel loaded in RAM with a simple registry edit of LargeSystemCache:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management]
"DisablePagingExecutive"=dword:00000001
"LargeSystemCache"=dword:00000001


Speed up your Start menu by reducing MenuShowDelay from 400 to 200. You will noticed a faster response when browsing items in your Start menu.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"MenuShowDelay"="200"


Don't keep DNS query errors in the Domain Name System (DNS) cache.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache]
"NegativeCacheTime"=dword:00000000
"NetFailureCacheTime"=dword:00000000
"NegativeSOACacheTime"=dword:00000000


Do you open lots of programs during your Windows XP sessions? Are you noticing more and more of your RAM being sucked up dry, this doesn't necessarily mean a program is leaking memory but that too many .DLLs are being kept in memory. Set AlwaysUnloadDLL to 1 to unload .DLLs after you exit the calling program.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer]
"AlwaysUnloadDLL"=dword:00000001


Google those registry keys to find out more about them. This way you will be better informed as to what exactly each does.

As always, backup your registry if you don't know what your doing. Create a registry file, such as MyChanges.reg, and add any of the above tweaks you want. When done, double click the file to add your changes into your registry and then reboot.

The contents of your registry file should look like:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"MenuShowDelay"="200"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache]
"NegativeCacheTime"=dword:00000000
"NetFailureCacheTime"=dword:00000000
"NegativeSOACacheTime"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer]
"AlwaysUnloadDLL"=dword:00000001

etc.

[buffdresurrected]

I think that makes you the god of geek :)
good stuff :thumbsup

[Leo]

I think that makes you the god of geek :)

I agree. Went right over my head too. I need more slow and step by step instruction :D

[lilbitch]

I agree. Went right over my head too. I need more slow and step by step instruction :D the registry isnt someplace Leo should be at all...LOL!!! (kidding, dude!)

But, if ya do decide that ya wanna take a poke at this stuff Leo, I'll be around for just a little bit today.....and I'd be more than happy to walk ya thru your registry changes, step by step. Just holler at me on ICQ :)