One of the most common issues with XP is its apparent decline in performance as the computer is used. There have been anecdotal reports comparing the performance of XP installed on new computers, and the performance on the same machines after just six month’s use. In these reports it is claimed that XP can slow substantially due to several of the default settings built into XP. To try and resolve these performance degradations in XP, several articles have been published, and several websites have been created with tips to overcome these shortcomings. One of my favorite sources of these tips is the Langa List, available online at www.langa.com. Fred Langa also offers a free, no spam, email subscription of excellent tips and other information. Shortly after XP was introduced in 2001, Langa compiled a list of 10 performance improvement tips for XP; these tips are still widely considered as the premier list available. While explicitly for the Professional version of XP, these tips generally also apply to the more common “Home” versions of XP as well. Detailed but easy-to-follow instructions are available on the December 10, 2001 “Langa List” available on his website. Langa recommends that users:
Another excellent information and tip resource for improving XP is the “Black Viper” site at www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm. This site has instructions on improving XP performance by eliminating unnecessary programs and processes from loading when XP is booted, thus freeing up system resources. Sample XP configurations are also included to ease the process, based on the intended uses of the computer and the comfort level of the operator. Black Viper also has tips for other operating systems, including Red Hat, at http://blackviper.com/Articles/OS/OSguides.htm.
Another excellent site with XP performance tips, as well as very helpful information on all Microsoft operating systems from Windows 95 to XP, is www.annoyances.org. Annoyances claims to be “ … the most complete collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Microsoft Windows.” A menu is available on the left edge of the main page allowing for rapid access to the topics listed. Using an external search engine, Annoyances lists thousands of problems and solutions, including over 3300 items about XP.
A caller on one of my recent computer shows on KLVI (Tuesdays 6-7pm, and Saturdays 1-4pm), expressed some concerns about the “product activation code” required on XP, and most other recent versions of Microsoft software. Microsoft implemented the product activation code requirement on Windows XP when it was introduced to reduce the amount of pirated copies of XP that would be circulating, thus depriving Microsoft of “intellectual property” revenues. According to the Microsoft website, this non-unique product activation code is generated by determining the hardware components on the computer (referred to by Microsoft as a “hardware hash”), and creating a number that, when combined with the product ID (serial number) on the software, creates a unique identifier. This activation must be completed either online or by telephone within a 30 day grace period or 50 “product launches” (booting into Windows XP), or, according to Microsoft, “(if) you have not completed activation, all features of Windows XP except the product activation feature will stop working.” If the user reformats the hard drive, and then attempts to reinstall XP, the activation process must be repeated. If the user upgrades the hardware on the computer, then Microsoft uses a “vote” system to determine if XP can continue to function. If almost any hardware component is changed, that is one vote per item, but replacing a network card counts as three votes; the “voting” is cumulative, in that the changes do not have to be made at the same time. Some of the upgrades that change the vote can be as simple as adding memory, installing a new CD or DVD drive, adding a hard drive, or installing a new video card. Once there are seven cumulative “votes”, then the XP must be reactivated with Microsoft by phone. Once reactivated, the codes are reset, and the voting process restarts. Users using the original builds of XP must activate immediately after reaching the “votes” when upgrading hardware, but if the XP Service Pack 1 has been installed, there is a three day grace period for reactivation before XP ceases to function. Obviously, those users who like to tinker with their hardware will likely find this reactivation process another annoyance.
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