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2. Optimizing Windows Display and Effects

This post is part of the How To: Optimize Windows XP And Make It Faster article, please read the full guide.

The following is optional but is highly recommended for anyone running Windows XP with less than 512MB of RAM or gamers who have less than 768MB of RAM. It is quick, easy, can free up quite a bit of RAM and make the operating system a bit more responsive by freeing up processor cycles. It involves:

» Optimizing your screen resolution (anything above 1024×768 eats a lot of RAM).
» Getting rid of your desktop wallpaper (which can eat up as much as 10MB of RAM by itself).
» Eliminating certain Windows visual effects that are not needed and often unnoticed anyways.

Optimizing Your Screen Resolution:
1) Right-click anywhere on your desktop.

2) Select PROPERTIES.

3) Select the SETTINGS tab.

4) Using the Screen Resolution Slider, move it to 800 by 600 pixels.

NOTE #1: If your resolution is already set to 800×600, leave it there and skip this section.
NOTE #2: If you have 256MB of system RAM or lower, you may want to consider changing ‘Highest 32bit‘ to ‘Medium 16bit‘ color. The difference between 32bit & 16bit color is hardly noticeable in most cases.

5) Click APPLY.

6) You will now be asked if you wish to keep these settings. Choose YES.

7) Click OK to close the main panel.

Getting Rid Of The Desktop Wallpaper:
1) Right-click anywhere on your desktop.

2) Select PROPERTIES.

3) Select the DESKTOP tab.

4) From the wallpaper list, select NONE.

5) Under the word COLOR you will be able to choose a solid color for your desktop.

6) Click APPLY.

7) Click OK.

Eliminating Windows Visual Effects:
1) Right-click anywhere on your desktop.

2) Select PROPERTIES.

3) Select the APPEARANCE tab.

4) Click the EFFECTS button.

5) Uncheck “Use the following transition effect for menus and tooltips:”

6) Click OK to close the smaller window and then OK again to close the larger window.

Continue on to 3. Allocating Processor & RAM Usage >>>

Also Read:

• 3. Allocating Processor & RAM Usage
• How To: Change The Log On Screen Saver In Vista
• How To: Make An Invisible Folder
• How To: Make Windows XP Look Like Vista
• How To: Boot Windows XP Faster

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