performance issues with XP

We currently have some machines in school which only have 256 mb of Ram, while the computers run XP ok they do get overloaded at times, till we get the money to upgrade them, i was looking in to ways to speed them up.
One way i found was altering the performance settings in the system properties, taking out things like sliding menus and such like that.

All i left was "use common tasks in folders", and "use visual styles on windows and buttons" as everyone likes the look of xp.

I was wondering if anyone knows how i can do this on a larger scale as up to now i would have to go up to each computer and alter the settings.

Or does anyone know of any other ways i can speed up the performance.

Thanks
Tom

do your machines have onboard graphics? If so i would turn of the theams and use windows classic. that is a big speed booster. Also, image your machines once every 3 - 6 months

If you download AutoPatcher, theres an option in there for Speed. It has tick boxes for like...

http://img136.imagevenue.com/loc430/..._122_430lo.JPG

Maybe you could look into how they work via the registry and roll it out easier?

Windows classic look and a fast machine; or teletubby-land interface and have to wait for things? I know which one I'd choose 8)

The first thing I do on a new setup is go there and adjust for best performance, then only tick 'Show contents while dragging' and 'Common tasks in folders'. Then classic start menu.. :)

Windows classic.... never liked the teletubby land interface...

I dont like the xp theme either but i have tried and said about changing it but everyone prefers the hills and green and blue layout, so that isnt really an option for me, wish it was but it isnt up to me.

Any other ideas that i could try.

Tom

Turn off system restore if you haven't already. I have never actually used it successfully at home or at work, if you have standard images then it's not a bit issue to reimage the computer if it's borked anyway and will get the PC back to a nice fast, clean state far better than system restore would.

Have you thought about tweaking your AV settings? It is sometimes possible to do so without opening the computer up to viruses as they're generally fairly over zealous in scanning everything constantly. even disabling e-mail scanning on a computer that never recieves email via an email client can help with some AV programs - as stupid as that sounds! (thinking mcafee here..)

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Originally Posted by tomscaper

I dont like the xp theme either but i have tried and said about changing it but everyone prefers the hills and green and blue layout, so that isnt really an option for me, wish it was but it isnt up to me.

Any other ideas that i could try.

Tom

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You cant have poeple dictate to you what they like. Just go ahead and do it. but explain to them the reason why you have done the following changes.

what AV are you using? its not AV of the week by any chance is it? :lol: :lol:

we are using NOD32. as for changing things, i would love to but there are people up higher than me that cause a fuss and it isn't worth it.
I have explained and explained but people like the look of XP no idea why but they do.

whats you role in the school? NM or tech

ICT Technician

are you the only IT support person in the school?

Make an OU called assholes, drop them in to that group and let them have what they like. as for the other staff and kids, set the computer GP to windows classic.

there are two of us in the school. will have to discuss it with some people but i guess all that will happen is the computers will get upgraded eventually.