Cleaning up xp home edition on new Dell computer

[jagnorm]

I'm sure this question has probably been asked before, but I couldn't find a thread for it.
I don't use xp alot, so I not familiar with what needs to be in the start up and what does not have to be.
One of the people I've helped in the past on his old pc is getting a new dell computer.
He's going to want me to clean it up for him. I'm sure as I've seen in the past on other dell computers it will come with a lot of BS in the start up and running in the background.
Is there a list of what xp home edition needs to have in the start up?

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

[Atomic Rooster]

Here's a few good links for you:

AnwsersThatWork.com

TweakXP.com

BlackViper.com

[John Prophet]

go to www.blackviper.com and check out his "XP service configurations"

basically he is explaining about the "services" that XP has running by default..services 99% of us dont need...like "alerter" "wireless zero config" "remote desktop help" blah blah....so basically you run "services.msc" and set the ones you dont need to "disable" or "manual".

He has a chart etc..I follow the "safe" config..except I leave the system restore on. (he turns it off but I dont)

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Also...for sure you probably need to get adaware and update it and run it....because if he is like most users he has tons of spyware which can really cripple a machine.
www.lavasoftusa.com get the free one. I always delete everything it finds and I havent had an issue yet....but if youre not sure do "quarantine" the first time so you can restore if neccesary.

Also there is a lot of "eye candy" that isnt needed and that will slow down a machine..especially one with onboard video.

right click "my computer" "properties" "advanced" "settings" (beside performance)..then under "visual effect there is a long list of eye candy..stuff that may make it look better to some people..I usually uncheck everything except..."show shadows....". "smooth edges of fonts" and "use drop shadows..." and "use visual styles for..."



JP

[jagnorm]

Thanks, great links
I think that will do it untill I he gets the computer and I accually see what Dell crams into it.

[jagnorm]

little confused...
Is the chart on the bottom of the linked page what he recomends for settings or is this what I can expect to see as the default settings.

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

[jagnorm]

Oh yeah... I'll be installing zone alarm free version for him and spybot, and mabe even cwshredder for him.

[Atomic Rooster]

If you notice the top column of the chart you will see headings such as "Display Name", "Process Name". About midway over, it will say "Default Home" and "Default Pro", those are the default XP settings for the Home and Pro versions. Next to that are his "Safe" settings which should be good for most users.

Near the top of the page is a section called "Table Header Information" which explains them in more detail.

[jagnorm]

Thanks...