Building a new computer... Need Windows XP tips...
 

I'm building a new computer this weekend. Please hit me with tips about how to optimize Windows XP Pro for best performance.

(1) Should I let Windows manage memory, or should I set it manually?

(2) Should I turn System Restore ON or OFF?

(3) Any other tweaks I should look at?

For sure leave system restore on....the rest, I dunno,to early/late in the day

1) don't do it , until you are professional.
2)if you back up daily , turn it off.
3) get a solid hardware , and forget about optimizing software.

Here's the kit I'm going to buy. Looks like a good deal to me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...1956 345&rd=1

How much RAM will I need to add to make Windows XP Pro work well?

Go buy the latest edition of Maximum PC at a bookstore, the entire mag this month is on how to make XP run faster and look cooler :thumbsup

HAHA nevermind my last post, get win 3.1 for that beast.

first thing i do whenever i have new xp setup is right mouse click on my computer / properties / advanced
and set to "adjust for best performance" - this removes all the fancy stuff, i never liked the blue toolbar anyway.

then i fire up windows explorer (winkey-E)
in view - status bar on, the folder view must be detailed for me
in tools - folder options / view i check 'remeber each folders view' - in case in some folders i set thumbs view
hit apply and then hit apply for all folders

that's all.

have a good day!

Rock on! Good tips. I'll take your advice for sure.

LOL! :1orglaugh

Yup.. Like the other guy said, you will need Windows 3.1 :glugglug

That hardware is older than my grandmother. Even at $8.00 - shitty deal LOL :2 cents:

Just leave all that shit on :1orglaugh

Really????

I have been planning some good things for this machine! I've already designed some killer case mods for it too. :(

Re-read the product description:

"This is a build your own computer kit with a intel 486 chip running at 75mhz it has a 200 watt popwer supply floppy drive and hard drive works great all you need is a case the hard drive is a maxtor that boots to a Dos bashed program ???? i don't know what it is so don't ask but its a great way to learn how to build a computer and not spend 800.00 dollers and then fri the mother board."

The KEY bad points are as follows:

486
75mhz
200 watt
:winkwink: :glugglug

The Best XP Tip???

GET LINUX

I agree righthandman don't wreck the new computer by putting XP on it it'll just spit it out.

Put LINUX on it

I wish I knew more about Linux. I'm afraid it won't be 100% compatible with all the stuff I do. I'm concerned about the learning curve & time involved with that. I've heard good things about Linux, but....

Just in case it's not clear...I was joking about this. :1orglaugh

Even after rereading the whole thread... it wasn't :glugglug

Here's what I'm atually getting.....

Chaintech 9CJS Zenith MB (i875P chipset)
Intel P4 3.2Ghz 800MHz FSB 512 Cache CPU
ATI Radeon 9600XT 128MB
1MB Cosair PC-3200 RAM
NEC 2500-A 8X DVD+RW/-RW
Sony 52x32x52x16 Combo Drive
(2) 250GB WD 7200RPM Hard Drives

I'm actually building 2 machines. The second one is exactly the same as the first, except it will only have one hard drive.

I really like that MB because it's LOADED with features. The breakout box and remote control sold me on it.
:)

I do still need your Windows XP tips though...if they haven't already been covered, that is...

What do you need 500GB of space for?

TweakXP

1 MegaByte corsair ram? ... dont u think that's overkill? lol... i'm sure u meant 1GB .. which will be nice.

After every restore, I install TweakUI and remove all the processor hungry crap that I don't need. Also remove window animations of any kind. :thumbsup

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx

XP will rock on that machine ... to the bottom of the lake...lol

1MB ... wow that's a lot of RAM :winkwink:


I personally do not like Corsair RAM .. i have had too many problems with them :2 cents:

Here are some cool XP options

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx