I have P4 1.8 Ghz with 128Mb SDRAM and 32 Mb NiVDIA TNT2 Display Card. I have XP with SP2 and run ZOneAlarm Security Suite which really stresses a normal computer. I also have a RAM optimizer running and MS-Antispyware with real time protection. Although, I have a lot faster computer, than one would expect. It boots faster and works better than yours, of course.
No i don't agree to the point that you should downgrade your Drivers as 'klinux' says. Better update them from Windows Update Website. There select custom installation and select Hardware Updates in the Left hand pane. Get the latest critical updates too and don't ever listen to suggestions like "Downgrade...." until you have a major problem. They have updated the drivers to give you a better performance.
Now, downoad a program called PcBooster from Inkline softwares (Search from google by typing in
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en...jorgeeks&meta= in the address bar). Run it and Optimize your PC. It is a 14 day trial version but you don't need to run it for 14 days, just uninstall after restarting and viewing the results of improvements.
Now, download a program called Registry First Aid and don't ask me from where to do so. Search it on google. Run it and clean your registry. You may even use Registry RegSupreme Pro or both.
Now, download a freeware called DustBuster. Install it and run it. It will clean all the unnecessary files giving you a larger free space and better performance.
Again, download a program called "Defragmentor Premium". It should do a great job by defragmenting all your system files and page file.
Now, come to your Pagefile i.e. Virtual memory. Goto System Properties (By Pressing WinKey+Pause Break at the same time on your keyboard) and click on 'Advanced' Tab. Under performance, click settings. Now again choose the 'Advanced' Tab. Now, under virtual memory, click change. Remove page file from C: and put it on some less stressed drive (the one with more free space, less files. It is better to create a separate Fat32 partition, of 1 gb, for your page file, and trust me you will not feel that it is wasted after you see the boost in performance). However, it is better to keep a pagefile of 2-50 Mb in c: as well. So don't remove pagefile from C: completely, but select Custom Size and enter 2 and 50 in min and max values. Now, if you have selected a drive for keeping the main and larger pagefile, select the drive, and select custom size. Use a page file 2.5 times the RAM and in your case it will be 800 Mb. Keep the Min and Max values same as 800. This will prevent pagefile fragmentation.
You may even use a program called Pc Accelerator which wil really improve your performance but will change various system settings. Use it only if you are and advanced user because it may make various changes you would like to undo manually.
Download Perfect Disk, Disk defragmenter and defragment your disk with the option 'Smart Placement'. This will defragment disk and avoid quick fragmentation. It will keep your dsi defragmented for longer. HOwever. it will take a heck of a lot time on first defragmentation but once the disk is defragmented, it will get fragmented very slowly and hence improving future defragmentations.
Also use a RAM optimizer called FreeRam (freeware) from
www.aoksoft.com. This will keep your RAM optimized.
If you are not on a network, and use a dial up modem, disable the following services, to minimize the stress your computer is facing. You can do this by going to 'Start| Run| services.msc' and right clicking the service, choosing properties and selecting disabled. All of them are not related to networking, but you can disable them safely. Note the previous setting for each service. If something goes wrong, Undo. If the listed services are already disabled, no need to change them. I am assuming that you have XP Professional. In case you have home edition, you won't find many of the services listed. Disable only listed ones.
Alerter
ClipBook
COM+Event System
COM+System App
Computer Browser
Distributd Link Caching Client
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
Error Reporting Service
Human Interface Devices
Human Interface Device Access
Indexing Service
IPSEC Service
Fast User Switching (If you have a single user computer)
Logical Disk Manager Administrative service
Messenger Service (This is not related to MSN Messenger ot Windows Messenger)
Net Logon
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Network Location Awareness
Network Provisioning
Performance Logs and Alerts
Portable Media Serial Number
QoS RSPV
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (If you don't intend to use remote desktop)
Routing and remote access
Remote Registry
Server (if you are not on a network)
Smart Card
SSDP Discovery
TCP/IP Netbios
Telnet (if you don't use telnet)
Terminal Services
WebClient
Windows Image Acquistion
Wireless Zero Configuration
Windows User mode driver framework
Windows Time (This will not affect System Time. It syncronizes time on the network.)
Workstation
For internet optimization, use FireFox and the adblock extention for firefox. You may also use OnSpeed which will take your Dial-Up connection to a broadband.
If you don't understand something or anything, ask me, i'll try to help. I have learnt with experience and trial-and-errors plus various resources on the internet. Thanks to all the people and resources that helped me when i was a complete newbie. Don't assume me as a GEEK. I'm a learner and would love suggestions.
_khAttAm_@web2mail.com
SP2 caused Win XP to run slow
Linear Mode
