Registry tweaks to improve performance

[bluehorizon]

I realize there are a number of websites that list certain reg tweaks to improve system performance in a number of ways, but I can't believe that there has been a completely comprehensive list written. Why not list some tweaks that you've come across to improve performance in different areas (i.e. file system, networking etc)? I'm sure there are also misconceptions about what works and what doesn't. Every little bit helps!

 

[spyordie007]

Every little bit helps!

That's the first misconception. Generally there are not a lot of "tweaks" that make any kind of noticable performance differance (an no I dont consider 5% in an artifical benchmark a worthwhile differance).

If it's not performing well enough these 3 steps will make a signifigant impact:
1.) Upgrade your storage - the biggest performance bottleneck in most desktop systems is storage, slow hard drives and interfaces.
2.) Get more RAM
3.) Upgrade your processor
3.) Ensure your system is clean of viruses and spyware regularily

 

[bluehorizon]

So how about some actual edits? Saying I should add more RAM or upgrade the proc doesn't exactly go along with the subject of the thread...

 

[geologist]

I've tried many tweaks and haven't seen noticable improvements. However, I did notice significant performance gains after I used a program called RegSupreme Pro to clean the registry.

 

[duragezic]

I think it's not so much of the little registry tweaks that improve performance than keeping your system clean and unbloated. When I reinstall XP, I go and turn off a lot of things like uneeded services, system restore, auto updates, remote crap; and the only program that starts up at boot is my firewall. At bootup I think I only have 18 processes started. Of course, keeping your system clean of spyware/adware is part of this too, but I rarely even get spyware now with Firefox.

 

[Cybordolphin]

There are quite a few registry cleaning programs out there. One I like is "Registry First Aid Agent".

You may very likely notice a snappier feel after cleaning up your registry.

 

[UmneyDurak]

well if you want to tweak your XP machine, check out www.blackviper.com
I didn't see any performance increase after trying those tweaks, but I did have less processes running.

 

[Perplx]

I got a few tweaks from here http://unattended.msfn.org/xp/registrytweaks.htm. The ones that made the most notable difference were these.

;Speed up shutdown
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control]
"WaitToKillServiceTimeout"="3000"

;Speed up Network Browsing by removing Network Scheduled Tasks
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RemoteComputer\NameSpace\{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}]