I usually try to get all the updates I need from MS first....
1.) First I go to "My Computer", right click, go to
properties > Advanced tab > Performance (settings button).
Set "Visual Effects" to "Adjust for best Performance",
Then my personal preference is to reselect....
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"Show window contents while dragging"
"Smooth edges of screen fonts"
"Use drop shadows for icon labels on desktop"
"Use visual styles on windows and buttons"
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2.) Then while still in "system Properties", go to
"Startup and Recovery" Settings button.
Un-check all those settings, and set "Write debugging Info"
to (none)
3.) Then go to the "System Restore" tab, and turn off
System restore to all drives. (because I do my own backups)
4.) Then go to The "Automatic Updates" tab, and
"Turn off Automatic Updates".
(turn then on as needed to get the updates)
5.) Then go to The "Remote" tab, and un-check "Remote Assistance".
Also never use "Remote Desktop" as a rule, but it can be handy at times.
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6.) Then I check the Start>Programs>Startup folder, and remove
anything I don't want starting up there.
7.) Then I right click on the taskbar, and go to properties.
Un-check "Hide inactive icons"
Un-check "Group similar taskbar buttons"
8.) I also like to set mine up like Classic, and no personalized menus.
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9.) The I do the services.
Go to Start>run> type in "services.msc"
This is how I have mine setup ATM, but I change some things periodically.
http://catocom.com/services.htm
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10.) Then I go in to the Registry. (BE CAREFUL WHEN IN THE REGISTRY)
Start>Run> type "regedit"
(before you edit, you can backup.....)
When you click un the run keys, Go up to "File, and Export"
Save that key where ever you want to.
Got to
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run"
Remove anything You don't want starting up.
(BE CAREFUL! Check out anything that you don't know what it is.)
Also check the key below the Run key, called "RunServices".
Then, got to
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run"
Do the same there. (There will probably be more items in there.)
Also check the key below the Run key, called "RunServices".
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11.) Then I right click on the Desktop, and go to Properties.
Go to the "Desktop" tab, and click the "Customize Desktop" button.
(I personally like to check all...to show all the icons)
Un-check the "Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days" box.
12.) While still in the Display Properties, click on the "Appearance"
tab, and un-check 'transition effect' stuff box.
Do check the 'smooth edges of screen fonts' (I have mine set to Standard)
(I have 'large icons' unchecked, and 'shadows under menus' unchecked)
(I do have checked 'show contents while dragging, and Hide underline stuff...')
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13.) Then I set the "Power Management" options....
Go to Start>Settings>Control Panel>Power Options.
(I have mine set ATM to turn off the monitor after 20 mins.)
(HD, and Standby to never)
In the Advanced tab, I have nothing checked, and all buttons set to
"Shut down" if pressed.
Then I go to the "Hibernate" tab, and un-check the "Enable hibernation" box.
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Now this next part is a little technical, and you have to know what to look for!
14.) I go into Windows Explorer, and remove temp files, trash, orphaned files,
and anything I see I don't need.
15.) Then I run Defrag.
