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All Setup XP Tweaks
Setting Swap File Size
  1. Right-Click on My Computer and select Properties.
  2. Select the Advanced Tab, then select the Settings button under Performance.
  3. In the new window, select the Advanced tab. Under Virtual Memory select the Change button.
  4. Change both the min and max values to 2 times your physical memory plus the size of your registry.
  5. When you finish editing the min/max, make sure to select the Set button to save the changes.
  6. Windows will ask if you want to restart. Save everything, then restart to allow the changes to occur.
Back to top Turning off Remote Invitations The "Remote Invitation" permits the ability to send others invitations that will allow them to fix your computer remotely by connecting to your machine. This can turn into a security risk and we advise turning off this ability.
  1. Right-Click on My Computer and select Properties.
  2. Select the Remote tab.
  3. Uncheck the box next to Allow remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer.
Back to top   Power Save Recommendations  
  1. There are two ways to bring up the Display options window:
    1. Right click anywhere on the desktop and select Properties. OR ...
    2. Click on Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > double click on Display.
    Both these options should bring up the Display Properties window.
  2. Click on the Screen Saver tab, then under the Monitor power section click on the Power... button. This will bring up the Power Options Properties window.
  3. Under the System standby: select Never from the pull down menu.  
  4. Next turn off the Hibernation options by clicking on the Hibernate tab.
  5. Under the Hibernate section make sure Enable hibernation is unchecked.
Back to top Allow Simple File Sharing NOTE: With Windows 2000 file sharing was "on" by default, but with Windows XP file sharing is "off" by default. Many Windows 2000 users relied on the "Map Network Drive" to remotely connect to other machines. The Faculty Support Group will point out the potential security risks, but also understands the need/desire to share files. There are two options to allow simple file sharing. Option 1 - Editing standard folder options
  1. Double click on My Computer - brings up a standard folder.
  2. Go to the Tools menu down to Folder Options...
  3. A Folder Options Window will open, go to the View Tab and under the Advanced settings: scroll down to the bottom and uncheck use simple file sharing (Recommended).  
Option 2 - Editing Local Security Settings
  1. Click on Start menu > Settings > Control Panel > Double click on Administrative Tools.
  2. In the Administrative Tools window double click on Local Security Policy.
  3. In the Local Security Settings window, expand the Local Policies.
  4. Click on Security Options; this will display many policies in the right-hand side of the window.  
  5. Scroll down to the Network access: Sharing and Security model for local accounts. Highlight and right click on the policy, select Properties. This will bring up the Local security Setting window.
  6. Change the pull down menu to the Classic - local user authenticate as themselves option.
  7. The computer should now be set to do simple file sharing.
Back to top Turning off Automatic Updating NOTE: This is only an option if you update your system periodically with Windows Update. If this is not your practice, then you should leave the option as is or select the second option.
  1. Right-Click on My Computer and select Properties.
  2. Select the Automatic Updates tab.
  3. Select the radial next to Turn off automatic updating.
Back to top Removing Windows Messenger from the System Tray
  1. Double-click on the Windows Messenger icon in the system tray.
  2. Click Cancel on the window that opens.
  3. Select the Tools menu and click on Options in the menu that drops down.
  4. Under the Preferences tab, uncheck the boxes next to Run the program when Windows starts and also Allow this program to run in the background.
Back to top Installing XP-AntiSpy The XP-AntiSpy program is a shortcut to turning off services that might send data to Microsoft without your knowledge. This program is under the 'Recommended' heading and we use it in the Faculty Support Group, but it is not needed. All the changes made with this program can be done manually. NOTE: Be sure that you understand what you are doing. These changes effect the core of your operating system, so don't touch anything you're not sure of.
  1. Download the tool from XP-AnitSpy's Website. The website is in German, but it has a link which allows you to change it into an English page.
  2. Install the program. After it is done, run it and select the options that you want. The default options should be just fine for most people.
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