Optimizing a windows xp installation (1 Viewer)

[Maxxpowa]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone has any tips on making a windows xp pro 32bit system as quick to boot and run media portal as possible.

It is a clean installation, just completed now. I have followed the instructions in the documentation, but am wondering if there is anything else i can do such as disable unused services etc to speed up booting and running of mediaportal.

Thanks.

 

[lcadwell]

Some tips

I'd suggest trying XP performance edition (it's available as a torrent download assuming of course you have a valid, legal copy of windows). Also, you can download something called 'minlogon' which speeds up booting somewhat. Everything needs to be installed *before* minlogon.

As for disabling services, Black Vipers web page Windows XP x86 (32-bit) Service Pack 3 Service Configurations by Black Viper gives recommendations. Make sure you've disabled anything running at the startup that may slow things down. For this use msconfig or regedit (if you know what your doing) and this page AnswersThatWork - PC Tuning & Troubleshooting, HelpDesk, Fix PC Problems, Speed Up slow PC, Computer Tips & Solutions gives a list of processes that run at startup so you can see if you need something or not.

If this machine will be a media centre only, I'd recommend not installing anti-virus software. This is the *only* time I would not recommend it. You may be able to install it and not have any slowdown issues but it's your call. I'm sure someone will disagree. If you do need to install some, get something that just does a scan periodically and doesn't have realtime protection. Perhaps something like ClamAv.

Obviously make sure you have all the latest drivers.

If you can, don't use a wireless network to play media from. Even wireless N has problems. It may work or it may not and you can spend hours finding that your machines wifi card security isn't happy with your router's.

Hope this helps.

Oz