Speed up start up and shut down process

MSCONFIG

We all know, that after using our computer for some time, it slows down to a drag.. There are ways to fine tune a bit without the use of expensive software. If you see more then 15 icons on the lower right portion of your task bar, It means to say that you have too many programs running.. And that does not include the spyware that has affected your computer. Plus a messy Registry record.

So here's how to do it.

1) click on the start menu. Choose run.

2) type msconfig, click on the startup tab.

3) There's a lot of unwanted startups in here, remove those that are not important.  Example , Nero Check, audio deck, adobe gamma. and so on.

A clue to what is important and not, is to extend the centre column named 'command'

This will show you what the program is -- 

some with c:\windows [this are mostly important]

Those starting with c:\program files [ are mostly not important]

unchecking those and exiting the system configuration utility will save changes.

There is also the startup programs that you can clear out from the start menu

Look for a folder called "start up"  

You can clear off those short cuts there.  

Removal of spyware, malware

When we surf the web we will get infected in one way or another. Spyware is often installed without the user's consent, as a drive-by download, or as the result of clicking some option in a deceptive pop-up window. It is highly recommended to download and install the Spybot search and destroy program. This program not only detects and kills spyware, it also immunize your computer against cookies and popups. Just remember to update regularly.

* note for people who use P2P software like Bitcomet ,

Spybot will identify an entry known as "Comet Cursor ' , This is part of the P2P software, and should not be removed. A list of identified problems will show comet cursor as one of the errors, but you can uncheck the box to prevent spybot from removing it.

Clearing the registry

There's free and useful ones availble for download such as the
Wise Registry cleaner 3
Run a scan and clear all error entries. Do a scan once a while , there will always be errors.

CCleaner

This program is cleans more then just the registry, It evens has a uninstall option to look at your installed applications to run a proper uninstall from there.  Clears temp files, cookies and more.

Defrag

All of us have been told that in order for windows to work faster, running defrag once a months will improve performance by bringing the files that are fragmented as one.  But the windows defrag application is awfully slow, not to mention it will slow down the computer rendering the user not able to do anything at all, Not even browsing the net.  Best of it all, if any one touches the system, this defrag application restarts all over.  

The good news is there's this stand alone program called the power defragmenter.  It allows defraging of single files , individual folders instead of doing the entire drive at one go.  It starts in a dos interface, and even though the system has a slight slow down, I can carry on surfing and use my computer, I can break the process when ever I want by pressing "CTRL" + "Break" at any time.,  Whatever defraging is done will be done, and there is no need to repeat the entire process the next time on..

Performance or beauty

If you are the type who wants speed and don't mind a plain jane interface, you can change the overall user interface to display less effects such as animating the siding effect when minimizing the windows 

Right click on "My computer"

Click "properties"

Click on "advance" tab

Click on "settings" on the performance category

Choose between appearance or performance.

If you want a interface that works faster but does not look too awful. Choose Custom 

Check on the last entry" Use visual styles on windows and buttons"

Additional boost in startup

For a quicker startup, users can disable the rest of the boot device from the CMOS settings. Allow boot record from HDD only, some motherboards have the option to search boot record from other device. Set that to 'NO'  Your computer will not waste time scanning the network or External HDD for a boot record

Tweak XP

For users who want to squeeze every ounce of juice out of their OS can use Tweak XP
 

This program has got custom made graphics user interface, even casual users can choose to activate hardcore tweaks.  Good for those who don't have a fast processor or tons of ram.

Stuck at the shut down screen 

Some of us may experience this problem, despite after all this tweaks, the system halts at the Windows is shutting down screen for a long long time.

After a long wait of at least 2 mins, it finally shuts down.

Users can try to load the 'Optimized defaults' at the CMOS screen

That step solved my problem