Optimize and speed up your Windows XP
If you have Windows XP and your computer does not connected to any Network and have single user, you can disable some of windows services safely.
First, Click Start > click Control Panel > click Administrative Tools > click Services
And disable below services safely:
Alerter
Clipbook
Computer Browser
Fast User Switching
Human Interface Access Devices
Indexing Service
Messenger
Net Logon
Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Remote Procedure Call Locator
Remote Registry
Routing & Remote Access Server
SSDP Discovery Service
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Telnet
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Upload Manager
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration
Workstation

This post has been edited by microscopic^earthling: Aug 18 2005, 09:49 AM

Nice, this is exactly what I used when I was playing Doom 3. . Had to borrow an extra 256MB RAM from a friend and then disable all these services to be able to have a smooth fps of 20 (maximum).

I don't need to worry about anything like this: I have 1.5GB of RAM (look at my sig!) + 128MB graphic memory.

Yeah I dont really need to do this at all, but I do anyway. I like to squeeze every last drop out of my machine! I'm a bit of a nazi when it comes to having services running that I dont want running. Its the same with all those programs that try to add themselves to your startup. It really annoys me. Why would I need Microsoft Office, or Adobe CS2 to load itself up at startup if I only intend to come on to play games? Maybe I could setup different user logins, one with gaming stuff installed, one with graphics, etc... Would this work? Is it possible to make things load on startup only for specific users? Same could be said with services, can you do the same thing? Or are each of these things global and for all users?

Disabling Services that one doesn't require is a good way to increase resources on your Windows PC. Here's a good guide to services.

Without a doubt, please back up your Registry before and after making changes and be sure to name your backups in an easy-to-recognize manner. Also write down what services you have enabled/disabled so you can keep track of them.

Lastly, it makes things simpler and there's less of a chance of screwing something up if you first ask if you're evne slightly unsure about what a particular thing is.