Maximum PC provides a very interesting list of reader tips for XP. A few of these, I hadn’t seen before, like:
Setting priority for DNS lookups to speed up Internet connection I’ve been able to obtain a very stable and faster cable internet connection on my Win XP computer after experimenting with priority settings in the registry key listed below. When a web URL is typed into a browser window, the browser uses these settings, among others, to find the website’s DNS. The settings below give the highest priority to the DNS Cache lookup, next highest to local, third highest to hosts file, and fourth highest to NetBIOS. The DWORD for “Class� should not be changed. The aim here should be to keep the priority numbers low but different. If the numbers are higher, the priority for each lookup is lower, often creating longer delays and some instability during the online experience. This tweak can work very well if the user keeps the DNS Resolver Cache up to date (i.e. flushes it occasionally so it can be recreated with working DNS entries) and the host file contains no out of date addresses. Some experimenting with low numbers in these four entries should improve any user’s broadband connection. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\ServiceProvider] “Class�=dword:00000001 “DNSPriority�=dword:00000001 “HostsPriority�=dword:00000003 “LocalPriority�=dword:00000002 “ProviderPath�=string:%SystemRoot%\System32\wsock32.dll “NetbtPriority�=dword:00000004 “Name�=�TCP/IP� -Harold
Although this one advocating the removal of unused DLLs from memory actually has a negative effect on performance, although a forgivable mistake as it’s an extremely common misconception:
Windows automatically removing unneeded DLL’s from cache memory Here’s how to improve system performance by having Win XP automatically remove unneeded DLLs from cache memory. Sometimes XP keeps DLLs in cache memory even when the program that required them is no longer running and this cuts down on the memory available to other applications. You can use a simple Registry hack to have XP automatically remove from cache memory DLLs that are no longer needed by programs. Run the Registry Editor and go to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer Create a new DWORD value named AlwaysUnloadDll, and give it a data value of 1. Exit the Registry and reboot for the new setting to take effect. Note that this setting may cause problems with some programs. Some Windows programs—especially older and 16-bit programs—may issue error messages with this setting in effect; so if that starts happening, delete the new key or give it a value of 0. -Joe Kane
Anyway, definitely a list that is worth your time.
Link: The best reader-submitted WinXP tips
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