Windows for the Jedi:Windows for the Jedi:

Optimizing Windows XPOptimizing Windows XPTuning the performance of your Tuning the performance of your

Windows XP Professional workstationWindows XP Professional workstation

ForwardForward ““I don’t feel in control of Windows”I don’t feel in control of Windows”

Reminisce about the days of…Reminisce about the days of… AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, HIMEM.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, HIMEM.SYS,

EMM386.SYS, SMARTDRV.EXEEMM386.SYS, SMARTDRV.EXE WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INIWIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI QEMM, ODI drivers, NDIS driversQEMM, ODI drivers, NDIS drivers

Windows for Workgroups 3.11 provided geeky Windows for Workgroups 3.11 provided geeky levels of tweakinglevels of tweaking DOS, TCP/IP, INI filesDOS, TCP/IP, INI files

It’s all there. The tools just changed.It’s all there. The tools just changed. Regedit.exe, Services.msc, Resource Kit toolsRegedit.exe, Services.msc, Resource Kit tools 33rdrd party tools party tools

Why did it get slow?Why did it get slow? Non-optimal or default configurationNon-optimal or default configuration

Network designed for generic scenariosNetwork designed for generic scenarios Video & disk drivers installed are usually genericVideo & disk drivers installed are usually generic Compatibility forever!Compatibility forever!

Higher average number of processesHigher average number of processes Growth in average process count due to installationsGrowth in average process count due to installations SVCHOST.EXE processes growthSVCHOST.EXE processes growth

Conflicting execution threadsConflicting execution threads Serial requests kill performanceSerial requests kill performance

Escalating bottlenecksEscalating bottlenecks Max disk efficiency is 50% used or lessMax disk efficiency is 50% used or less Every network I/O filter slows performanceEvery network I/O filter slows performance Memory usage at 80% always swaps systemMemory usage at 80% always swaps system

Immediate performance > Operational efficiencyImmediate performance > Operational efficiency MemoryMemory DiskDisk

What can we do about What can we do about it?it? OS OptimizationOS Optimization

Reducing boot timeReducing boot time Reducing shutdown timeReducing shutdown time System resource optimizationSystem resource optimization Clearing Temp & History FilesClearing Temp & History Files

Resource Performance TuningResource Performance Tuning Disk Disk NetworkNetwork MemoryMemory

Application Performance TuningApplication Performance Tuning Optimizing Internet Explorer Optimizing Internet Explorer Optimizing application executionOptimizing application execution

Cool Windows XP add-ons & toolsCool Windows XP add-ons & tools

From the “duh” fileFrom the “duh” fileThings that should be looked into before anything elseThings that should be looked into before anything else

Current driversCurrent drivers Updated BIOS firmware Updated BIOS firmware Updated adapter driversUpdated adapter drivers

Disk considerationsDisk considerations Always use NTFS; Never use FAT32.Always use NTFS; Never use FAT32. Indexing service: Just say no.Indexing service: Just say no.

Display performance (Optional)Display performance (Optional) Don’t use a desktop pictureDon’t use a desktop picture Minimize the number of icons on your desktopMinimize the number of icons on your desktop Disable themesDisable themes

OS OS OptimizationOptimization

Reducing Boot Time Reducing Boot Time through Drivers & System through Drivers & System

ResourcesResources

Reduce boot timeReduce boot time

Understand Windows bootUnderstand Windows boot What software is loadingWhat software is loading How long is each takingHow long is each taking

Optimize what Windows loads at Optimize what Windows loads at bootboot1.1. Remove unnecessary Remove unnecessary

applications/utilitiesapplications/utilities

2.2. Disable unused hardware resources Disable unused hardware resources

3.3. Uninstall unused FontsUninstall unused Fonts

4.4. Clean out the Prefetch cacheClean out the Prefetch cache

5.5. Parallelize the boot sequenceParallelize the boot sequence

Removing Removing apps/resourcesapps/resources Apps may load Apps may load

boot time stubsboot time stubs QuicktimeQuicktime RealReal AcrobatAcrobat

Every hardware Every hardware resource needs a resource needs a driver & load timedriver & load time Serial or Parallel Serial or Parallel

port? Onboard port? Onboard video? Onboard video? Onboard IDE/SCSI? USB? IDE/SCSI? USB? Firewire?Firewire?

Disable unneeded Disable unneeded ports via BIOSports via BIOS

Uninstall unneeded Uninstall unneeded fontsfonts Fonts increase boot Fonts increase boot

timetime Loaded at bootLoaded at boot Most people don’t know Most people don’t know

which fonts are usefulwhich fonts are useful

Tool: Tool: FontXplorerFontXplorer Visually displays fonts Visually displays fonts Determine which to Determine which to

keep or dumpkeep or dump http://moonsoftware.co

m

Optimize boot Optimize boot sequencesequence TOOL: TOOL: Bootvis.exeBootvis.exe

Logs every driver/service loaded at bootLogs every driver/service loaded at boot Clocks each for load timeClocks each for load time Provides “boot information intelligence”Provides “boot information intelligence”

Enables analysis of software loadedEnables analysis of software loaded Graphs time-to-load for each driverGraphs time-to-load for each driver Auto-optimizes boot sequence for fastest Auto-optimizes boot sequence for fastest

performance; enables drivers to load in performance; enables drivers to load in parallelparallel

(Note: Windows XP does this optimization (Note: Windows XP does this optimization operation 24 hours after installation operation 24 hours after installation automatically)automatically)

http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/BTV/1.0/WXP/EN-US/BootVis-Tool.exe

Parallelize boot Parallelize boot sequencesequence TOOL: TOOL: Bootvis.exeBootvis.exe

Logs every driver/service loaded at bootLogs every driver/service loaded at boot Times each loadTimes each load Analyzes software loaded in logAnalyzes software loaded in log Provides “boot intelligence”Provides “boot intelligence”

Enables viewing of software loadedEnables viewing of software loaded Graphs time-to-load for each driverGraphs time-to-load for each driver Auto-optimizes boot sequence for Auto-optimizes boot sequence for

fastest performance (Some drivers fastest performance (Some drivers load in parallel)load in parallel)

Tune the XP PrefetcherTune the XP Prefetcher Prefetcher can help or Prefetcher can help or

hurt performancehurt performance Proactively loads apps Proactively loads apps

during boot to during boot to improve load improve load performanceperformance

Load apps at boot timeLoad apps at boot time Some apps have a Some apps have a

'/prefetch:1' switch. '/prefetch:1' switch. Right click the Right click the

shortcut and hit shortcut and hit 'properties.‘'properties.‘

In the 'target' box, put In the 'target' box, put '/prefetch:1' at the '/prefetch:1' at the end of the line. Press end of the line. Press 'ok.''ok.'

Tool: Tool: Prefetch CleanerPrefetch Cleaner Disable PrefetchDisable Prefetch Prefetch System onlyPrefetch System only Prefetch Apps onlyPrefetch Apps only

OS OS OptimizationOptimization

Reducing Boot Time Reducing Boot Time through the Registrythrough the Registry

Clean the RegistryClean the Registry

Registry = Registry = DatabaseDatabase Useless data clogs Useless data clogs

the registrythe registry Requires more Requires more

memory to loadmemory to load Increases boot Increases boot

timetime Slower application Slower application

loadsloads Tool: Registry Tool: Registry

Scrubber - Scrubber - RegScrubXP.exeRegScrubXP.exe Remove left over, Remove left over,

unreferenced unreferenced values/keysvalues/keys

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048

Compress the RegistryCompress the Registry

Expanded registryExpanded registry Requires more time to referenceRequires more time to reference More space on diskMore space on disk More time at boot timeMore time at boot time

Tool: Registry Optimizer - Tool: Registry Optimizer - NTRegOpt.exeNTRegOpt.exe Compresses the registry file – eliminates file Compresses the registry file – eliminates file

space gapsspace gaps http://home.t-online.de/home/lars.hederer/

OS OS OptimizationOptimization

Reducing Boot Time Reducing Boot Time through Services & through Services &

StartupStartup

Disable Unnecessary Disable Unnecessary ServicesServices Not all system services are necessaryNot all system services are necessary

Use memoryUse memory Increase boot timeIncrease boot time Slows the CPU downSlows the CPU down

Tool: Starter - Tool: Starter - Start.exeStart.exe Know what programs run at “start”Know what programs run at “start”

(Via the RUN registry key, Startup folder, etc.)(Via the RUN registry key, Startup folder, etc.) Disable jobs that are unnecessaryDisable jobs that are unnecessary http://codestuff.mirrorz.com

Tool: Services Console - Tool: Services Console - Services.mscServices.msc Disable any of the 75+ services you don’t useDisable any of the 75+ services you don’t use Review Review http://www.blackviper.com for for

information about what each services does and information about what each services does and why you do or do not need it.why you do or do not need it.

Disable Unnecessary Disable Unnecessary ServicesServices

SummarySummary

Reducing boot timeReducing boot time Drivers, System ResourcesDrivers, System Resources

BootvisBootvis Font ExplorerFont Explorer Prefetch CleanerPrefetch Cleaner

RegistryRegistry Registry OptimizerRegistry Optimizer RegScrubXPRegScrubXP

ServicesServices Start CleanupStart Cleanup Services ConsoleServices Console

OS OS OptimizationOptimization

Reducing Shutdown TimeReducing Shutdown Time

Reduce Shutdown TimeReduce Shutdown Time

Shutdown times take longerShutdown times take longer Some apps or their dependencies don’t Some apps or their dependencies don’t

shutdown well; leave handles open to other shutdown well; leave handles open to other resourcesresources

Some profiles are cluttered Some profiles are cluttered Tool: User Profile Hive Cleanup Service – Tool: User Profile Hive Cleanup Service –

UPHSetup.exeUPHSetup.exe Closes handles left open by other apps that Closes handles left open by other apps that

prevent logoutprevent logout Logs all applications run & handles openedLogs all applications run & handles opened Particularly good for roaming profilesParticularly good for roaming profiles http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.asp

x?FamilyID=1b286e6d-8912-4e18-b570-42470e2f3582&displaylang=en

Reduce Shutdown times Reduce Shutdown times (through the Registry)(through the Registry) Applications are given time to shut downApplications are given time to shut down

Current user - “Time to wait until killing apps”Current user - “Time to wait until killing apps” 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\‘'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\‘ Highlight the 'WaitToKillAppTimeout' value. Highlight the 'WaitToKillAppTimeout' value. Set it to '1000' (the default should be 20000).Set it to '1000' (the default should be 20000). Highlight the 'HungAppTimeout' value.Highlight the 'HungAppTimeout' value. Set it to '1000' also.Set it to '1000' also.

All users - “Time to wait until killing apps”All users - “Time to wait until killing apps” 'HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop‘'HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop‘ Highlight the 'WaitToKillAppTimeout' value. Highlight the 'WaitToKillAppTimeout' value. Set it to '1000' (the default should be 20000). Set it to '1000' (the default should be 20000).

System - “Time to wait until killing services”System - “Time to wait until killing services” 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\

CurrentControlSet\Control\'CurrentControlSet\Control\' Highlight the value 'WaitToKillServiceTimeout' Highlight the value 'WaitToKillServiceTimeout' Change this value to '1000.'Change this value to '1000.'

SummarySummary

Reducing shutdown timeReducing shutdown time User Profile Hive CleanupUser Profile Hive Cleanup Allocated shutdown timeout valuesAllocated shutdown timeout values

UserUser All usersAll users SystemSystem

Resource Resource Performance Performance TuningTuning

Disk PerformanceDisk Performance

Error check your hard Error check your hard drivesdrives Disk Errors = SLOW performanceDisk Errors = SLOW performance

Simple jarring of desktop chassisSimple jarring of desktop chassis Defragmenting will not helpDefragmenting will not help

Tool: Disk Error CheckingTool: Disk Error Checking Open 'my Open 'my computer.'.' Right click the hard disk you wish Right click the hard disk you wish

to check and select 'properties.'to check and select 'properties.' Choose the 'tools' tabChoose the 'tools' tab Under 'error checking' Under 'error checking'

select the 'check now…' button.select the 'check now…' button. Check both options. Check both options.

Disk will be checked for errors upon Disk will be checked for errors upon rebootreboot May take hours depending on disk sizeMay take hours depending on disk size

Disk DefragmentationDisk Defragmentation #1 Biggest Bottleneck in Performance#1 Biggest Bottleneck in Performance

Registry accessRegistry access Page file swappingPage file swapping System filesSystem files Event log I/OEvent log I/O Applications/dataApplications/data

Outlook 2003 .OST/.PST filesOutlook 2003 .OST/.PST files Project .MPP filsProject .MPP fils

What does defragmentation do?What does defragmentation do? Organizes files for max read/write timeOrganizes files for max read/write time DEFRAG.EXE does an “okay” job on normal filesDEFRAG.EXE does an “okay” job on normal files

Why do we need this with NTFS?Why do we need this with NTFS? Using more than 50% of disk?Using more than 50% of disk? Locked system files Locked system files

Most commonly usedMost commonly used Most commonly fragmentedMost commonly fragmented

Tools for System File Tools for System File Defrag Defrag DEFRAG.EXE is incompleteDEFRAG.EXE is incomplete

Locked system filesLocked system files WXPDefrag misses:WXPDefrag misses:

Event LogsEvent Logs SAMSAM System ExecutablesSystem Executables RegistryRegistry PagefilePagefile

Tool: Tool: Pagedfrg.exePagedfrg.exe FREE - Defrags system files after rebootFREE - Defrags system files after reboot To use in tandem with built-in DEFRAG.EXETo use in tandem with built-in DEFRAG.EXE Not remotable/schedulable or very fast, no Not remotable/schedulable or very fast, no

supportsupport http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware

/pagedefrag.shtml

Tools for System File Tools for System File DefragDefrag Upgrade DEFRAG.EXEUpgrade DEFRAG.EXE

Tool: Tool: Diskeeper 9.0Diskeeper 9.0 Executive SoftwareExecutive Software

““Enterprise” version ofEnterprise” version ofPagedfrg.exePagedfrg.exe

http://www.execsoft.com(Acct Rep: Rachel Jackson(Acct Rep: Rachel Jacksonrjackson@execsoft.com))

Enterprise DefragmentationEnterprise Defragmentation 4x-8x faster than DEFRAG.EXE4x-8x faster than DEFRAG.EXE Remotely manageableRemotely manageable Smart Schedule detection or ‘Screen saver’Smart Schedule detection or ‘Screen saver’ Laptop battery/power management-aware Laptop battery/power management-aware Adjustable system priority Adjustable system priority Safe & Enterprise SupportedSafe & Enterprise Supported

Disable NTFS Last Access Disable NTFS Last Access UpdateUpdate Stop the 'last access update' stamp Stop the 'last access update' stamp

Directory FAT entries written to on every accessDirectory FAT entries written to on every access Writes “Last access” time stamp to every folderWrites “Last access” time stamp to every folder Significant impact on hierarchical folder Significant impact on hierarchical folder

structuresstructures

NTFS update can be disabled through the NTFS update can be disabled through the registry: registry: Open REGEDITOpen REGEDIT Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\System\Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\System\

CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystemCurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem Create new DWORD value called Create new DWORD value called

'NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate' 'NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate' Set the value to '1'Set the value to '1'

Enable write cachingEnable write caching Write caching improves write latencyWrite caching improves write latency

May be turned on alreadyMay be turned on already Disk response on writes can be 2x-4x fasterDisk response on writes can be 2x-4x faster Warning: Not for USB drives, or hot-swappable Warning: Not for USB drives, or hot-swappable

mediamedia May delay disk write before removal causing disk May delay disk write before removal causing disk

corruptioncorruption

To enable write caching:To enable write caching: Right click on my Right click on my computer.. Select 'properties.'Select 'properties.' Select the hardware tab, then Select the hardware tab, then

‘Device Manager.' ‘Device Manager.' From Device Manager:From Device Manager:

Expand 'disk drives' Expand 'disk drives' Highlight your Highlight your hard disk Select 'properties' Select 'properties' Select 'policies' tab.Select 'policies' tab.

Or Control Panel - System – Or Control Panel - System – Hardware - Device Manager Hardware - Device Manager --> Disk Drives: <Drive>: --> Disk Drives: <Drive>: Policies, Enable write cachingPolicies, Enable write caching

Move the Page File Move the Page File What is the Page File?What is the Page File?

Drive area reserved for use as virtual memory Drive area reserved for use as virtual memory Used when data exceeds physical memory (RAM)Used when data exceeds physical memory (RAM)

Cool! Uh, right?Cool! Uh, right? No! Page file access is extremely slow. Avoid No! Page file access is extremely slow. Avoid

paging.paging. Should be as “contiguous” as possible.Should be as “contiguous” as possible. Should always be accessibleShould always be accessible

““Two spindle” OptimizationTwo spindle” Optimization Move the page file to hard drive Move the page file to hard drive

other than the System driveother than the System drive Can improve performance by 100%Can improve performance by 100%

How to:How to: Right click on 'my Right click on 'my computer' ' Select 'properties.'Select 'properties.' Select the 'advanced' tab.Select the 'advanced' tab. Under 'performance' choose Under 'performance' choose

'settings' button.'settings' button. Select the 'advanced' tab againSelect the 'advanced' tab again Under 'virtual memory' selectUnder 'virtual memory' select

'change.' 'change.'

Resource Resource Performance Performance TuningTuning

Network PerformanceNetwork Performance

TCP OptimizationTCP Optimization Network performance is suboptimal by Network performance is suboptimal by

defaultdefault Generic parameters are usedGeneric parameters are used Dialup = DSL = 10MbpsDialup = DSL = 10Mbps

Tool: Tool: TCPOPT.EXETCPOPT.EXE Settings are per AdapterSettings are per Adapter Optimal MaxMTUOptimal MaxMTU

Cable modem or DSL = 1500Cable modem or DSL = 1500 DSL PPPoE = 1492DSL PPPoE = 1492 Dialup = 576Dialup = 576

TCP Receive WindowTCP Receive Window General ValuesGeneral Values

Extreme = 513920Extreme = 513920 Cable modem Cable modem

or DSL = 256960or DSL = 256960 DSL PPPoE = 255552DSL PPPoE = 255552 Dialup = 65392Dialup = 65392

MaxConnections per Server = 20MaxConnections per Server = 20

Optimizing Networking:Optimizing Networking:

Increase DNS cache sizeIncrease DNS cache size DNS Cache saves queriesDNS Cache saves queries

Cached DNS queries saved for finite timeCached DNS queries saved for finite time Bumped to make room for new addressesBumped to make room for new addresses

Increase DNS cache to eliminate DNS Increase DNS cache to eliminate DNS lookupslookups Open REGEDIT and navigate to; Open REGEDIT and navigate to;

'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters'Parameters'

Create the following DWORD values:Create the following DWORD values: CacheHashTableBucketSize = 1 CacheHashTableBucketSize = 1 CacheHashTableSize = 180CacheHashTableSize = 180 MaxCacheEntryTtlLimit = ff00MaxCacheEntryTtlLimit = ff00 MaxSOACacheEntryTtlLimit = 12dMaxSOACacheEntryTtlLimit = 12d

Exit and restartExit and restart

Optimizing Networking:Optimizing Networking:Don’t cache failed DNS Don’t cache failed DNS entriesentries DNS Cache saves failed queriesDNS Cache saves failed queries

Good cached DNS queries saved for finite timeGood cached DNS queries saved for finite time Failed DNS entries are stored for 5 minutesFailed DNS entries are stored for 5 minutes

Prevent unsuccessful DNS lookup cachingPrevent unsuccessful DNS lookup caching Open REGEDIT and navigate to: Open REGEDIT and navigate to:

'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters'Parameters'

Create the following DWORD values:Create the following DWORD values: NegativeCacheTime= 0NegativeCacheTime= 0 NetFailureCacheTime= 0NetFailureCacheTime= 0 NegativeSOACacheTime= 0NegativeSOACacheTime= 0

Reboot for the changes to take effect.Reboot for the changes to take effect.

Resource Resource Performance Performance TuningTuning

Memory PerformanceMemory Performance

Keep Windows Operating Keep Windows Operating Data in Main MemoryData in Main Memory Windows System Services swap to Page Windows System Services swap to Page

FileFile Takes time to save/retrieve to/from diskTakes time to save/retrieve to/from disk Does this Does this whether or notwhether or not system is low on system is low on

physical RAMphysical RAM

Disable Windows System pagingDisable Windows System paging If you have 256MB of system memory or more, If you have 256MB of system memory or more,

force Windows to keep its operating data in main force Windows to keep its operating data in main memorymemory

Open Regedit.Open Regedit. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\

ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\Memory ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.Management.

Select the DisablePagingExecutive value to '1'Select the DisablePagingExecutive value to '1'

Force DLL UnloadForce DLL Unload Applications load DLLs that lingerApplications load DLLs that linger

Dynamic Link Libraries contain data or functionsDynamic Link Libraries contain data or functions Applications call DLLsApplications call DLLs Windows XP cache DLLs in memory for faster Windows XP cache DLLs in memory for faster

accessaccess DLLs use memory AFTER applications closeDLLs use memory AFTER applications close

Force Windows XP to unload DLLs on Force Windows XP to unload DLLs on Application exitApplication exit To do this, first run REGEDIT.To do this, first run REGEDIT. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\

Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Create a new key named 'AlwaysUnloadDLL‘Create a new key named 'AlwaysUnloadDLL‘ Set the default value to equal '1.' Set the default value to equal '1.'

Resource Resource Performance Performance TuningTuning

Operating System Operating System PerformancePerformance

Intel App AcceleratorIntel App Accelerator Intel “Disk Accelerator”Intel “Disk Accelerator” BenefitsBenefits

58% Faster Boot Time58% Faster Boot Time(Accelerated OS Load Time)(Accelerated OS Load Time)

Accelerated Disk I/O (WinBench Accelerated Disk I/O (WinBench 34% faster)34% faster)

High performance data fetcherHigh performance data fetcher RequirementsRequirements

Intel Chipset Software Install Intel Chipset Software Install UtilityUtility

Older Intel chipset (pre-865)Older Intel chipset (pre-865) Intel Pentium 3, 4, Celeron, XeonIntel Pentium 3, 4, Celeron, Xeon

What it doesWhat it does Replaces the WXP ATA (hard disk Replaces the WXP ATA (hard disk

and IDE device) drivers with ones and IDE device) drivers with ones specially designed for Intel specially designed for Intel chipsets, chipsets,

Improve disk performance and Improve disk performance and boot time. boot time.

Intel App AcceleratorIntel App Accelerator CaveatCaveat

Affects ATA drives onlyAffects ATA drives only Latest IAA v2.3 not supported on Mobile Latest IAA v2.3 not supported on Mobile

Processor (Use v2.2)Processor (Use v2.2)

Disable Performance Disable Performance CountersCounters Windows XP Monitors Performance by Windows XP Monitors Performance by

DefaultDefault Perf Counters report on CPU, Memory, Perf Counters report on CPU, Memory,

Network, Page Swap, etc.Network, Page Swap, etc. Eats CPU; runs during every operation on Eats CPU; runs during every operation on

PCPC Take up System ResourcesTake up System Resources Most people don’t NEED performance Most people don’t NEED performance

counters oncounters on

Disable the Performance CountersDisable the Performance CountersTool: Tool: Extensible Performance Counter Extensible Performance Counter ListList Used to permanently disable these Used to permanently disable these

performance counters. performance counters. Download and install the utilityDownload and install the utility Run the Exctrlst.exe utilityRun the Exctrlst.exe utility

(found in 'c:\program files\resource kit\‘)(found in 'c:\program files\resource kit\‘) Select each line in the 'Extensible Select each line in the 'Extensible

performance counters' windowperformance counters' window Clear the 'performance counters enabled' Clear the 'performance counters enabled'

button below. button below. Perfmon will have no information Perfmon will have no information

available to it.available to it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/exctrlst-o.asp

Set Performance setting Set Performance setting in Systemin System Ctrl-Panel Ctrl-Panel System System Advanced Advanced

PerformancePerformance Animate windows when minimizing and Animate windows when minimizing and

maximizingmaximizing Fade or slide menus into viewFade or slide menus into view Fade or slide tooltops into viewFade or slide tooltops into view Fade out menu items after clickingFade out menu items after clicking Show shadows…Show shadows…

SummarySummary Disk performanceDisk performance

Scan your disk for logical/physical errorsScan your disk for logical/physical errors System & Page File Defrag/DiskeeperSystem & Page File Defrag/Diskeeper Enable write cachingEnable write caching Move the Page file from the System driveMove the Page file from the System drive RegistryRegistry

Disable NTFS Last UpdateDisable NTFS Last Update Network performanceNetwork performance

TCP OptimizerTCP Optimizer RegistryRegistry

Increase DNS CacheIncrease DNS Cache Don’t cache DNS failed entriesDon’t cache DNS failed entries

Memory utilization & performanceMemory utilization & performance BlackViper & Services.mscBlackViper & Services.msc Registry:Registry:

Keep Kernel in MemoryKeep Kernel in Memory Force Application DLL unloading from MemoryForce Application DLL unloading from Memory

OS resource optimizationOS resource optimization Enable Intel Application AcceleratorEnable Intel Application Accelerator Disable Performance CountersDisable Performance Counters Unset Performance checkboxes in CtrlPanel-SystemUnset Performance checkboxes in CtrlPanel-System

Hardware Hardware AdjustmentsAdjustments

Video/Memory Latency & Video/Memory Latency & Why enabling everything Why enabling everything

is evilis evil

Video Adapter Overclocking:Video Adapter Overclocking:

nVidianVidia Windows XP Driver package has Windows XP Driver package has

Hidden OverclockingHidden Overclocking Activate overclocking in Activate overclocking in Nvidia cards

:: Open REGEDITOpen REGEDIT Navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\

Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\Software\NVIDIA Corporation\Global\NVTweak'NVTweak'

Create a new DWORD value called Create a new DWORD value called 'Coolbits' and give it a value of '3''Coolbits' and give it a value of '3'

Reboot.Reboot. ““Cool bits” - 'clock frequency' pageCool bits” - 'clock frequency' page

Adjust the GPU and memory clock Adjust the GPU and memory clock speedsspeeds Allow the drivers to test them Allow the drivers to test them Just a test for stability, not Just a test for stability, not

guarantee of overclock guarantee of overclock ‘‘Auto detect' buttonAuto detect' button

Determine the recommended Determine the recommended level of overclockinglevel of overclocking

Use of this feature generally Use of this feature generally results in slightly conservative results in slightly conservative settingssettings

Changes will be applied Changes will be applied automatically upon pressing 'ok.' automatically upon pressing 'ok.'

Video Adapter Overclocking:Video Adapter Overclocking:

nVidianVidia WARNING: WARNING:

Thermal SafeguardThermal Safeguard Will actually slow Will actually slow

themselves down to avoid themselves down to avoid damage from excessive heatdamage from excessive heat

Overclocking the card of Overclocking the card of course produces more heat- course produces more heat- safeguard may kick insafeguard may kick in

The safeguard will still be in The safeguard will still be in effect until the card gets a effect until the card gets a proper chance to cool down proper chance to cool down a bit (by rebooting, for a bit (by rebooting, for example.)example.)

Use the 'apply settings at Use the 'apply settings at startup' checkboxstartup' checkbox

Video Adapter Overclocking:Video Adapter Overclocking:

ATIATI No Overclocking feature in No Overclocking feature in

Windows XP driversWindows XP drivers 3rd party 3rd party software is necessary - is necessary -

Radlinker utility, Plugin, Plugin To overclock an ATI To overclock an ATI video card with with

Radlinker:Radlinker: Install the program. Install the program. Go to 'start\control panel\display' Go to 'start\control panel\display'

and select the 'settings' tab then and select the 'settings' tab then hit 'advanced.hit 'advanced.

Select the 'Radlinker' tab.Select the 'Radlinker' tab. Check the 'enable clock rate Check the 'enable clock rate

change' box. The sliders below are change' box. The sliders below are now enabled, allowing you to now enabled, allowing you to overclock the memory and overclock the memory and processor speed. processor speed.

Click the set button to set the Click the set button to set the desired rate, then benchmark the desired rate, then benchmark the card. card.

Once you have an acceptable Once you have an acceptable overclock, use the 'use current' overclock, use the 'use current' button below to apply the changes button below to apply the changes every time you boot. every time you boot.

Change Memory Latency Change Memory Latency TimesTimes

Latency = ‘Turnaround' time of your memoryLatency = ‘Turnaround' time of your memory How long it takes for the memory to prepare to How long it takes for the memory to prepare to

send and receive data.send and receive data. Lower latency equal better system performanceLower latency equal better system performance Lowering times puts stress on your memoryLowering times puts stress on your memory

Facts about MemoryFacts about Memory Higher the rating, the higher its latency will be. Higher the rating, the higher its latency will be. Memory designed for overclocking have higher Memory designed for overclocking have higher

latency settings than 'normal' memory. latency settings than 'normal' memory. Significant latency settings for modern DDR memorySignificant latency settings for modern DDR memory

(listed here in order of significance)(listed here in order of significance) CAS (Column Address strobe) Latency:CAS (Column Address strobe) Latency: The time The time

between a data request and the data being made between a data request and the data being made available. available.

RAS-to-CAS latency:RAS-to-CAS latency: Delay incurred by activating a Delay incurred by activating a new 'row' of memory addresses to read from. More new 'row' of memory addresses to read from. More important for DDR memory.important for DDR memory.

RAS precharge:RAS precharge: How long a row of memory is held How long a row of memory is held 'open' (powered) so that data can be read from it.'open' (powered) so that data can be read from it.

ACT to precharge delay:ACT to precharge delay: I have no idea. I have no idea. More info:More info:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=873

Disable unneeded portsDisable unneeded ports

Do you really use your serial port?Do you really use your serial port?Parallel port? That’s what I thought.Parallel port? That’s what I thought.

Disabling unneeded ports in BIOSDisabling unneeded ports in BIOS Streamlines bootStreamlines boot Improves performanceImproves performance Easy to reverseEasy to reverse

Look in the 'integrated peripherals' Look in the 'integrated peripherals' section of the BIOS to find your section of the BIOS to find your ports and disable them. ports and disable them.

Cleaning up the Cleaning up the SystemSystem

DLLs, Temp files, & TurdsDLLs, Temp files, & Turds

Remove unused DLLsRemove unused DLLs Unnecessary DLLs are badUnnecessary DLLs are bad

Clog registryClog registry Can slow systemCan slow system

Question:Question:How do you know How do you know what DLLs are needed?what DLLs are needed?

Tool: Tool: DLLTOYSDLLTOYS Diligently checks all DLL dependencies between Diligently checks all DLL dependencies between

registered libraries and applicationsregistered libraries and applications Lists & removes unnecessary/orphaned DLL Lists & removes unnecessary/orphaned DLL

registrationsregistrations Warning: This is an overnight process!Warning: This is an overnight process!

Delete Temp FilesDelete Temp Files Temp files lurk all overTemp files lurk all over

IE cache, cookiesIE cache, cookies Memory dumpsMemory dumps Application temp directoriesApplication temp directories Histories, partial downloadsHistories, partial downloads Log filesLog files Chkdisk fragmentsChkdisk fragments ClipboardClipboard Recycle BinRecycle Bin Prefetch dataPrefetch data Multiple Profiles!Multiple Profiles!

Tool: Tool: CCLEANER.EXECCLEANER.EXE Automagically cleans out every directoryAutomagically cleans out every directory Includes 3Includes 3rdrd party application (Adobe, Netscape, party application (Adobe, Netscape,

Real)Real) Saves desired cookiesSaves desired cookies

Delete Temp FilesDelete Temp Files

Cover Your TracksCover Your Tracks Paranoid?Paranoid?

Think of all the Think of all the programs that keep programs that keep your usage histories your usage histories besides IE and WMPbesides IE and WMP

Bearshare, CuteFTP, Bearshare, CuteFTP, AOL IM, Acrobat, DiVX, AOL IM, Acrobat, DiVX, FlashGet, KaZaa, ICQ, FlashGet, KaZaa, ICQ, iMesh, Netscape, Opera, iMesh, Netscape, Opera, PowerDVD, WinZip, PowerDVD, WinZip, Trillian, ULead, etc. Trillian, ULead, etc.

Clean up after yourselfClean up after yourselfTool: Tool: Advanced Tracks EraserAdvanced Tracks Eraser Clears Microsoft & 3Clears Microsoft & 3rdrd party applications party applications Cleans up ever login/logoffCleans up ever login/logoff Cleans up every 2 minutesCleans up every 2 minutes Cleans up with multiple overwritesCleans up with multiple overwrites

SummarySummary

Hardware AdjustmentsHardware Adjustments Video overclockingVideo overclocking Adjust Memory LatencyAdjust Memory Latency Disable ports Disable ports

Cleaning up the systemCleaning up the system DLLToysDLLToys CrapCleanerCrapCleaner Advanced Tracks EraserAdvanced Tracks Eraser

OtherOther Optimizing Internet ExplorerOptimizing Internet Explorer

HOST blocker - HOST blocker - http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt Avant Browser – Avant Browser – http://www.avantbrowser.com Maxthon – Maxthon – http://www.maxthon.com FlashGet – http://www.amazesoft.com/ FlashGet – http://www.amazesoft.com/ MSN Toolbar Suite (http://sandbox.msn.com)MSN Toolbar Suite (http://sandbox.msn.com) How to Repair/Reinstall Internet Explorer (QHow to Repair/Reinstall Internet Explorer (Q318378)318378) IE Download Limit FixIE Download Limit Fix

Optimizing application executionOptimizing application execution PDF SpeedUpPDF SpeedUp

Cool add-ons & tool for Windows XPCool add-ons & tool for Windows XP SP2 Wireless Connectivity Fix (Q884020)SP2 Wireless Connectivity Fix (Q884020) SP2 Connection Limit Fix (http://www.LvlLord.de)SP2 Connection Limit Fix (http://www.LvlLord.de) DUMeter – http://www.dumeter.com DUMeter – http://www.dumeter.com DVDGenie – http://www.inmatrix.com DVDGenie – http://www.inmatrix.com RM.EXE (Bad Filenames) RM.EXE (Bad Filenames) Diskpie – http://www.zornsoftware.com Diskpie – http://www.zornsoftware.com FreeRAM – http://www.bysoft.com FreeRAM – http://www.bysoft.com Windows XP Powertoys Windows XP Powertoys

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xhttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx ppowertoys.mspx

ScreensaversScreensavers Bluescreen, Aquarium, Bliss, 3D WinXP, etc.Bluescreen, Aquarium, Bliss, 3D WinXP, etc.

ResourcesResources

CDROM: Kurt’s Optimization ToolkitCDROM: Kurt’s Optimization Toolkit Contains all software referenced hereContains all software referenced here Also available at:Also available at:

http://www.evilkoala.org/download/optimizingWihttp://www.evilkoala.org/download/optimizingWinXP.zip nXP.zip

DOC: “Beginner’s Guide to Speeding Up DOC: “Beginner’s Guide to Speeding Up Windows XP”Windows XP” A summary document with many of the A summary document with many of the

improvements mentioned hereimprovements mentioned here Also available at:Also available at:

http://www.evilkoala.org/download/bgsuwxp.zip http://www.evilkoala.org/download/bgsuwxp.zip

AppendixAppendix

Slides I still haven’t Slides I still haven’t cleaned up for inclusioncleaned up for inclusion

Increase Network Increase Network Browsing SpeedsBrowsing Speeds

See notes.See notes. Need to clean this up.Need to clean this up.

How to Repair/ReinstallHow to Repair/ReinstallWindows XPWindows XP System File CheckerSystem File Checker

sfc /scannow sfc /scannow Taken from Support QTaken from Support Q318378 318378

Repairing Windows XPRepairing Windows XP

See notes.See notes. Need to clean this up.Need to clean this up.

How to Repair/ReinstallHow to Repair/ReinstallInternet Explorer 6.0Internet Explorer 6.0 Initiate System File Checker scanInitiate System File Checker scan

sfc /scannow sfc /scannow WinXP Gold or SP1?WinXP Gold or SP1?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}

Set to 0Set to 0 Download & install IE6.0 then update with Download & install IE6.0 then update with

WindowsUpdateWindowsUpdate WinXP SP2?WinXP SP2?

Reinstall SP2Reinstall SP2 Taken from Support QTaken from Support Q318378 318378

Disable Network CheckDisable Network Check My Computer opens slowlyMy Computer opens slowly

Checks for network resourcesChecks for network resources PrintersPrinters File SharesFile Shares ComputersComputers

Disable network checkDisable network check Open My ComputerOpen My Computer Click “Tools” menu itemClick “Tools” menu item Click Folder OptionsClick Folder Options Click View tabClick View tab Go to Advanced SettingsGo to Advanced Settings

Uncheck “Automatically Search for Uncheck “Automatically Search for Network Folders and Printers”Network Folders and Printers”

A Word on A Word on Benchmarking:Benchmarking: Use 'whole system' performance benchmarks Use 'whole system' performance benchmarks Artificial benchmarking programs are a great way Artificial benchmarking programs are a great way

to see the relative performance increase that your to see the relative performance increase that your tweaks and changes have achieved. Running a tweaks and changes have achieved. Running a benchmark before and after a prospective change benchmark before and after a prospective change will give you a good idea of where you stand. will give you a good idea of where you stand.

Several companies produce 'whole system Several companies produce 'whole system benchmarks' designed to stress test every area of benchmarks' designed to stress test every area of your PC's performance and give you a result which your PC's performance and give you a result which you can use as a benchmark for improving your you can use as a benchmark for improving your system's speed. system's speed.

Try PCMark 2004 by Futuremark, SiSoftware's Try PCMark 2004 by Futuremark, SiSoftware's Sandra 2004 and Veritest's Winbench 99. In Sandra 2004 and Veritest's Winbench 99. In addition to benchmarking, these applications can addition to benchmarking, these applications can also provide valuable information about your PC also provide valuable information about your PC and its configuration. and its configuration.

The “Hidden” The “Hidden” Applications in Applications in Add/Remove ProgramsAdd/Remove Programs What is it?What is it?

Uninstall unwanted Windows Uninstall unwanted Windows ComponentsComponents

HowHow c:\windows\inf\sysoc.inf c:\windows\inf\sysoc.inf Remove the word "hide“Remove the word "hide“ Go to Add/Remove Windows Go to Add/Remove Windows

ComponentsComponents UninstallUninstall

Thank YouThank You

http://optimizurpc.co.cchttp://optimizurpc.co.cc

http://optimize-ur-pc.blogspot.comhttp://optimize-ur-pc.blogspot.com