For years, Windows users have battled with the notorious load times that seem to get worse with every startup. I've developed a ritual of reinstalling windows every six to twelve months, which becomes obnoxious, but almost necessary to maintain usability. A list of potential causes and short term resolutions are listed below.
Installing and Uninstalling Software
If you're like me, trying new software of interest is mandatory. However, each installed application makes entries into the Windows' Registry. When the software of interest is no longer desired, the natural course of action is to uninstall it. Even though the application is uninstalled, traces are left throughout the registry, which is processed by Windows at startup. There are programs that will "clean" the registry, but using these programs increase the risk of making the operating system inoperable. Use these programs at your own risk. For me, reinstalling Windows always works best when dealing with this issue.
Excessive, Unused Fonts
Less fonts means faster startup times. Windows has to load each font at startup to render them useful throughout the system. To increase startup times, remove fonts you never use! Seriously, how often have you taken advantage of wing dings? Not only will removing unused fonts increase startup times, overall system speed/performance will improve tremendously.
Start, Run, msconfig, Startup
This is an old, yet very effective trick computer technicians use to rape their clients. Uncheck everything from the startup tab and apply the changes. If your virus/firewall software is decent, it's running as a Windows Service and will continue starting. Restart and take note of the decreased startup time. Also note the amount of icons in the system tray. Did you ever use those or even know what they were? Didn't think so...
Clean Up Your Desktop
Seriously, stop cluttering your desktop with icons. Shortcuts and documents are easily organized into folders, imagine that. Shortcuts are just as effective on the start menu. The computers I use have no more than four icons on the desktop. At home: Recycle Bin. At work: My Documents, My Computer, Recycle Bin, shttpd.exe. There's just no need to have 20 documents, 15 shortcuts, 22 favorites, and 10 PDF's. ORGANIZE YOUR CRAP.
Delete Everything In These Directories:
C:\WINDOWS\Temp C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR-USERNAME\Local Settings\Temp\ C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR-USERNAME\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\ C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR-USERNAME\Local Settings\History\
Defrag Your Hard Drive
Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter. Analyze the system disk (typically C:), then defrag. Defrag performs wonders and should occur every three-six months, depending on usage. Defrag works by moving sectors on the outer layer of the disk toward the inner layer of the desk, increasing the rate at which data is retrieved. Another sure fire way to increase system startup and overall performance.
These are all tips/techniques I use to maintain usability, until the day comes a system reload is necessary. Feel free to add your own tips/tricks to the comments section below.
Word Count: 518
Tags: performance, software, tools, Windows XP
