10 Simple Ways To Speed Up Windows 7

1. Faster Window Switching

Disabling the Minimise-Maximise animation can make your PC run a lot faster. Disabling is easy:

• Go to Start and type in ‘SystemPropertiesPerformance‘
• Go the Visual Effects tab
• Uncheck ‘Animate windows when minimizing and maximising‘ and click OK

 
2. Speedup Windows 7 Boot Times

Windows 7 only uses one core to boot out of the box. By increasing the number of cores used you can decrease the boot time:

1. Click on Start and then ‘Run’
   
2. Search for Run and type ‘msconfig’
3. Click on the tab ‘Boot’ and click on ‘Advanced options…’
4. Check ‘Number of processors’ and enter how many your PC has (usually 2,4 or 8)
5. Click ‘OK’ and ‘Apply’
6. Reboot

 
3. Remove Unwanted Fonts

Fonts, especially TrueType fonts, use quite a bit of system resources. For optimal performance, trim your fonts down to just those that you need to use on a daily basis and fonts that applications may require.

• Open Control Panel
• Open Fonts folder
• Move fonts you don’t need to a temporary directory (e.g. C:FONTBKUP?) just in case you need or want to bring a few of them back. The more fonts you uninstall, the more system resources you will gain.

 
4. Speed Up Windows 7 Shutdown Time

Windows 7 shutdowns a lot faster than Vista or XP, but it can be improved further by making this registry change which reduced the time Windows waits to kill processes:

• Click on Start and type in regedit and hit Enter
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl
• Right-click on WaitToKillServiceTimeOut and change and lower the value
• The default is 12000 (12 seconds) but you can lower this to any number
• Click ok and restart PC

5. Disable Search Indexing

If like me you know where your files are stored, and only do a file search once in a blue moon, then the Search Indexing feature is a total waste of time. It uses up quite a lot of resources and is one feature I’d recommend most users disabling:

• Click on Start and type in services.msc
• Find and right-click ‘Windows Search’
• In the startup type field choose ‘Disabled’

6. Faster Toolbar

Taskbar thumbnail previews are one of Windows 7′s cool features. To decrease the time take to display thumbnails make these tweaks. (Note: be careful as you are tweaking the registry):

• Click on Start and type in regedit and hit Enter
• Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVe rsionExplorerAdvanced
• Right-click on Advanced, select ‘New DWORD‘ and enter the following value: “ThumbnailLivePreviewHoverTime”
• Then right-click on ‘ThumbnailLivePreviewHoverTime’ and select ‘Modify’.
• Choose Decimal Base and enter in your new number in milliseconds. I use 200 (0.2 secounds), but experiment until you find a time you like.
• Click Ok and restart

7. Turn Off System Sounds

Do you really need the system sounds? If not then disabling will again free up resources:

• Go To Start and type in mmsys.cpl
• Click on the Sounds tab and choose ‘No Sounds‘ in the sound scheme drop down

 
8. Remove Unwanted Startup Programs

Many programs start automatically or start components with Windows, which will slow your bootup times and use unnecessary resources. These include programs like Acrobat, Quicktime, iTunes, Java etc. To stop these programs autostarting:

• Go to Start and enter ‘msconfig’
• Click on the startup tab and uncheck anything you are certain you don’t need e.g. don’t untick your AV program

 
9. Disable Windows Aero

I’ve tried to avoid listing tweaks that make Windows 7 look ‘worse’, but Windows 7 Aero Theme can really task, so disabling is advisable if you need that extra speed:

• Right-click on your desktop and select ‘Personalise‘ and click the ‘Window Color‘ tab
• Uncheck the ‘Enable Transparency’ box
• Click on ‘Open classic appearance properties for more color options’
• Choose a Standard or Basic theme from the popup that appears

 
10. Disable Services

Some windows 7 services take up a lot of unnecessary ram, which is particularly bad if you don’t use them. Black Viper maintains a very good list of services that can be stopped. Rather than disabling services, I recommend that you set services you don’t think you need to ‘manual’ just in case you make a mistkae.
To Start or Disable services:

1. Go to Control Panel. Click on ‘Administrative Tools‘ and then click on ‘Services’
2. Right click on each individual service you want to tweak below.

Setting up a DHCP server in Windows 2003

What is DHCP ?

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an auto configuration protocol used on IP networks. Computers that are connected to IP networks must be configured before they can communicate with other computers on the network. DHCP allows a computer to be configured automatically, eliminating the need for intervention by a network administrator. It also provides a central database for keeping track of computers that have been connected to the network. This prevents two computers from accidentally being configured with the same IP address.

There are two versions of DHCP, one for IPv4 and one for IPv6. While both versions bear the same name and perform much the same purpose, the details of the protocol for IPv4 and IPv6 are sufficiently different that they can be considered separate protocols.

In the absence of DHCP, hosts on an IP network must either use stateless address autoconfiguration to obtain their IP address, or must be configured manually. Because manual configuration is error-prone and time-consuming, it is not in common use. On IPv6 networks, stateless autoconfiguration and DHCP both have advantages, but on IPv4 networks stateless autoconfiguration is only useful for communication on the local subnet, and thus does not compete with DHCP.

Source - wikipedia.org

The above diagram diplays a simple structure consisting of a DHCP server and a number of client computers on a network.

The DHCP Server itself contains an IP Address Database which holds all the IP addresses available for distribution. If the client (a member of the network with a Windows 2000 Professional/XP operating system, for example) has "obtain an IP address automatically" enabled in TCP/IP settings, then it is able to receive an IP address from the DHCP server.

Setting Up DHCP

This will serve as a step-by-step guide on how to setup a DHCP server.

Installing the DHCP server is made quite easy in Windows 2003. By using the "Manage your server" wizard, you are able to enter the details you require and have the wizard set the basics for you. Open to "Manage your server" wizard, select the DHCP server option for the list of server roles and press Next. You will be asked to enter the name and description of your scope.

Scope: A scope is a collection of IP addresses for computers on a subnet that use DHCP.

The next window will ask you to define the range of addresses that the scope will distribute across the network and the subnet mask for the IP address. Enter the appropriate details and click next.

You are shown a window in which you must add any exclusions to the range of IP addresses you specified in the previous window. If for example, the IP address 10.0.0.150 is that of the company router then you won't want the DHCP server to be able to distribute that address as well. In this example I have excluded a range of IP addresses, 10.0.0.100 to 10.0.0.110, and a single address, 10.0.0.150. In this case, eleven IP's will be reserved and not distributed amongst the network clients.

It is now time to set the lease duration for how long a client can use an IP address assigned to it from this scope. It is recommended to add longer leases for a fixed network (in the office for example) and shorter leases for remote connections or laptop computers. In this example I have set a lease duration of twelve hours since the network clients would be a fixed desktop computer in a local office and the usual working time is eight hours.

You are given a choice of whether or not you wish to configure the DHCP options for the scope now or later. If you choose Yes then the upcoming screen shots will be of use to you. Choosing No will allow you to configure these options at a later stage.

The router, or gateway, IP address may be entered in next. The client computers will then know which router to use.

The last step is to activate the scope - just press next when you see the window below. The DHCP server will not work unless you do this.

The DHCP server has now been installed with the basic settings in place.

Troubleshooting Network Connection Problems

Depending on how elaborate they are, home networks can be complicated. Unfortunately, because of this complexity, problems occasionally happen. Fortunately, you can usually solve these problems yourself. In most cases, finding the problem is a matter of going through a series of steps to eliminate potential issues one by one until you find the source of the problem. This article walks you through isolating your problem, troubleshooting the problem, and, if necessary, contacting the right organization for support.

If you are setting up your home network for the first time, refer to Set up a wired network or Set up a wireless network. The guidance in this article assumes that you were previously able to use your network, although the information here might be useful for troubleshooting setup problems, too.

How to isolate networking problems

People who work with networks think of them in terms of layers. These layers include the Internet, your modem and router, and the computer (or computers) on your network. To troubleshoot a problem effectively, you must first identify which network layer is causing the problem. The following diagram shows the different layers that might be the cause of a problem.

Although you can fix most problems yourself, if you can't fix a problem, it's helpful to know which layer is causing it so that you can contact the right organization for support.

To identify which layer is causing the problem

1.	Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. Click Network and Internet Connections.
 



3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Network Connections.

4. In the Network Connections window, examine the status of your network adapter:

•	Connected. Your computer is properly connected to your modem, router, or wireless network, but there is a problem between your router and the Internet. Read Windows XP says your network adapter is connected.

•	Disabled. Someone has manually disabled the network adapter. To fix the problem, right-click the adapter, and then click Enable.

•	Unplugged. Your computer cannot detect the connection to your modem or router. Read Windows XP says your network adapter is unplugged.

•	Not connected. Your computer cannot connect to your wireless network. Read Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows XP-based wireless networks in the small office or home office.

•	Limited or no connectivity. Your computer is properly connected to your modem, router, or wireless network, but your router is misconfigured or there is a problem between your modem and the Internet. Read Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity.

5. If your network adapter does not appear in the Network Connections window, it has not been properly installed. Uninstall the driver and network adapter as described in Troubleshoot device driver problems. Then reinstall the network adapter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Windows XP says your network adapter is unplugged

If Microsoft Windows XP indicates that your network adapter is unplugged, it could be because of several different problems. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem. (You can stop following the steps if your network connection starts to work.)

1. Verify that both ends of the network cable are properly connected
2. If the cable is properly connected, verify that your modem and router are plugged in and turned on.
3. If you have more than one network port available in your router, plug the cable into a different port. If the network connection works, the original port on your router is faulty. However, you can continue to use the other ports.
4. Replace the network cable with a new cable. You might have a faulty network cable.
5. The network adapter on your computer might have failed. If possible, connect a different computer to the same network cable. If the connection works, the problem is with your network adapter. Contact your computer manufacturer for support, or install a new network adapter. If the new computer also fails to connect and you have already tried a new network cable, your network hardware (the device you connect the network cable to) has failed. Contact technical support for the network hardware, or replace it.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your computer's network adapter, the network cable, or your network equipment, and then either replaced or repaired the failed device.

Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity

If Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity, it could be due to several different problems, including a failed Internet connection, a misconfigured router, or a misconfigured network adapter. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem. (You can stop following the steps if your network connection starts to work.)

1. In the Network Connections window, right-click your network adapter, and then click Repair. For detailed instructions
2. Unplug your modem. If you are unsure which device might be your modem, it is the device that is connected directly to your phone line (if you have DSL) or cable connection (if you have a cable modem). Wait one minute, and then plug your modem back in again.
3. If you have a router connected to your modem, unplug it. If you are unsure which device might be your router, look for the device that has at least two network cables: one that connects to your modem; and another that connects to your computer. You may also have a wireless router, which would be connected to your modem and would have one or more antennas. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in again.
4. Restart your computer.
5. If your network adapter still shows "Limited or no connectivity" and you have customized your router's configuration, verify that the router has DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enabled. Enable DHCP, and then restart your computer. DHCP automatically assigns an Internet Protocol (IP) address to your computer, which uniquely identifies your computer on your network. For instructions on how to enable DHCP for your router, refer to your router's documentation.
6. If you are using a router, unplug the network cable that connects your modem to your router, and connect your computer directly to your modem. Then restart your computer. If your computer connects properly after restarting, the problem is with your router. Contact your router manufacturer for support.
7. If your network adapter still indicates "Limited or no connectivity" when your computer is connected directly to your modem, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) for support. To speed up the troubleshooting process, describe the steps you have already taken, including restarting your modem, router, and computer, and connecting your computer directly to your modem. The "Limited or no connectivity" error message indicates that your computer is properly connected to your home network; however, the ISP's DHCP server is not assigning it an IP address. This problem could be caused by a failed DHCP server on the ISP's network, a failed modem, or a problem with your Internet connection. Alternatively, the ISP may require you to use a "static" IP address, which only its support staff can help you configure.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your router, your modem, or your Internet connection, and then either reconfigured or repaired the failed component.

Windows XP says your network adapter is connected, but you can't reach the Internet

If you reached this section, your computer is probably connected to your home network properly, but there is a failure with your router, modem, or Internet connection. In this case:

1. First, verify that you can't reach the Internet. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer, and attempt to connect to the following Web sites: www.microsoft.com, www.msn.com, and www.windowsmarketplace.com. If any of the Web sites open correctly, your Internet connection is functioning properly. If all of the Web sites fail to open, continue following these steps.
2. Unplug your modem. If you are unsure which device might be your modem, it is the device that is connected directly to your phone line (if you have DSL) or cable connection (if you have a cable modem). Wait one minute, and then plug your modem back in again.
3. If you have a router connected to your modem, unplug it. If you are unsure which device might be your router, look for the device that is connected directly to your modem. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in again.
4. Restart your computer.
5. If you have more than one computer on your network, turn the other computers off. Also, close any network applications that you might have open, including file sharing and peer-to-peer applications. These applications can consume so much bandwidth that they might prevent you from being able to browse the Web. Repeat step 1 to retest your Internet connection. If the connection works now, the problem is that one of your applications is consuming too much of your Internet bandwidth or attempting to connect to too many different computers. Close the application, or configure it to use less bandwidth or fewer connections.
6. If you have previously configured your computer with a static IP address (for example, to connect to your office network), you probably need an automatic IP address at home. Fortunately, you can configure Windows XP to use both by following the steps in Automatic configuration for multiple networks.
7. If you are using a router, unplug the network cable that connects your modem to your router, and connect your computer directly to your modem. Then restart your computer. If your computer connects properly after restarting, the problem is with your router. Contact your router manufacturer for support.
8. If possible, connect a different computer to your modem, and attempt to access the Internet. If the computer is able to access the Internet, you might have a problem with your Web browser. Contact your computer manufacturer for support.
9. Your modem or your Internet connection has failed. To resolve the problem, contact your ISP technical support. To speed up the troubleshooting process, describe the steps you have already taken, including restarting your modem, router, and computer, and connecting your computer directly to your modem.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your router, modem, Internet connection, or Web browser, and then either reconfigured or repaired the failed component.

How to Set up a Wireless Network

A wireless network can make using your computer more relaxing by letting you take it anywhere in your house—to your couch, your bedroom, or even your backyard. With a wireless network, you don't have to go out of your way to use the Internet, because it's everywhere in your home. You also don't have to be tied to your office to take care of other computer-related tasks—with a wireless network, you're always connected. You can search the Web for 'reseed lawn' and then, while reclining in front of the TV, print out your garden center shopping list on the printer in your home office.

Adding a wireless network to your home is easier than you think. It requires four steps:

• Choose your wireless equipment.
• Connect your wireless router.
• Configure your wireless router.
• Connect your computers and devices.

Choose your wireless equipment

The first step to setting up a wireless network is to make sure you have the equipment you need. You'll need at least two network components: a wireless router and a wireless network adapter.

If you're buying a new router, look for one with the Windows logo. This ensures that the router will work reliably in Windows XP, and if you decide to upgrade, it will work in Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well. Networking in Windows 7 has been simplified and improved.

• Wireless router. Converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Be sure you get a wireless router and not a wireless access point.

• Wireless network adapter. Connects your computer to your wireless router. If you have a newer portable computer, you might already have wireless capabilities built in. To find out if you have wireless networking built in, and for more information about buying and installing a network adapter, read Install a wireless network adapter. Make sure you have an adapter for every computer on your network.

Connect your wireless router

1. Before you go any further, print these instructions. You'll be temporarily disconnected from the Internet, so while you're doing the installation, you won't be able to get to this page to refer to the instructions.

2. Locate your cable modem or DSL modem, and unplug it from its port to turn it off.

• If you connect your modem to the wall in a similar way that you connect your TV to your cable television outlet, you probably have a cable modem, and it probably has a coaxial cable connected to it (like the round black or white cable you plug into your TV).
• If you connect your modem through the phone lines, you probably have a DSL modem, and it probably has a phone cable connected to it.

3. If you currently use a dial-up connection to connect to the Internet, set up your wireless network using ad hoc Internet sharing.

4. Connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.



To connect your router to your modem:

•	If you currently have a computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router.
•	If you don't currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.

5. Plug in your router. After a minute or two, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.

 Configure your wireless router

There are two ways to configure your wireless router: using Windows Connect Now and manually.

•	If your router supports Windows Connect Now, you don't need to continue reading this article. You can configure your wireless router and Windows XP computers quickly and easily by following the instructions in Using Windows Connect Now technology.
•	If you don't have a router that supports Windows Connect Now, you need to manually configure your router:

1. Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, temporarily connect your computer to one of the wired network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn't labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN).

2. Turn your computer on; it will automatically connect to your router.

3. Open Microsoft Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router, as described in your router's instruction manual.

4. Create a password if a prompt appears. The address and password you use will vary depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router.

Tip: As a quick reference, this table shows the default addresses, user names, and passwords for some common router manufacturers.

5. Internet Explorer will show your router's configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure three items:

• Set your wireless network name (known as the SSID) to something unique that does not identify your name or address.
• Enable Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption to help prevent uninvited guests from connecting to your wireless network.

Note: We don't recommend using WEP. WPA-2 is more secure. If you try WPA-2 and it doesn’t work, we recommend that you upgrade your network adapter to one that works with WPA-2.

• Set your administrative password to prevent others from configuring your router.

The exact steps you follow will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting (SSID, WEP, and administrative password), be sure you click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.

Note: The pictures in this section show Linksys wireless equipment. Equipment from other manufacturers will vary in appearance. For example, to save your settings in Linksys, you click Save Settings. Other equipment may have a different display, and you may have to click Apply or OK.

SSID or naming your network

A service set identifier, or SSID, identifies your network. Choose a unique name that you're confident none of your neighbors will use, but don't specify your name or your address. This is not a security tool, so you don't need to make the SSID complex.

 Protecting your wireless network

Help prevent uninvited guests from connecting to your wireless network.

Administrative password 

The last configuration change you should make is to the administrative password. Just like any other password, the administrative password should not be a word you can find in the dictionary, and it should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure you can remember this password, because you'll need it if you ever have to change your router's settings.

Tip: Write down your passwords on a piece of paper and store them in your home safe if you have one. If you don't have a home safe, store your passwords with your other important family documents. If you think of your passwords as important documents, you'll always know where to find them.

Now that you have configured your wireless router, named your wireless network, protected it, and assigned an administrative password, you are ready for the last step:

• Disconnect the network cable from your computer—you'll be able to connect wirelessly from now on.

Connect your computers and devices

If your computer does not have wireless network support built in, you can install a wired or a wireless network adapter. Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter and might prompt you to insert the CD that came with it. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is not required for wireless networking, but it does make setting one up much easier. SP2 also helps protect you against viruses, worms, and other Internet intruders. To install SP2, visit Microsoft Update. The steps below apply only if you're using SP2. Windows XP will show an icon with a notification that says it has found wireless networks.

To connect your computer to your wireless network

1. Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.

Note: If you run into problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don't hesitate to call the manufacturer's technical support number for help.

2. The Wireless Network Connection window appears and displays your wireless network listed with the SSID you chose. If you don't see your network, click Refresh network list in the upper left corner. Click your network, and then click Connect in the lower right corner.

3. Windows XP prompts you to enter a key. Type the encryption key that you wrote down earlier in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes, and then click Connect.

4. Windows XP will show its progress as it connects to your network. If the Wireless Network Connection window continues to show Acquiring Network Address, you may have mistyped the encryption key—click Cancel and return to step 3.

After you're connected, you can close the Wireless Network Connection  window. Now you're ready to browse the Web wirelessly. You can also create a wireless network in your home that connects your computers, printers, cameras, games, and other accessories for easy access and enjoyment.

How to Back up your Network settings

Once you get your home or small business network set up the way you want it, making changes can sometimes create unexpected results. If you want to make changes to your network settings (which include the unique addresses the Internet uses to identify your computer and related equipment used for your connection), you might be concerned that you won’t be able to return them to their original settings if you make a mistake. Don’t worry—with Microsoft Windows XP, you can back up your network settings and restore them later, if necessary. It’s not as easy as clicking Undo, but it’s straightforward and only takes a few minutes.

Note: If you are using Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you have to first install Windows Backup.

To back up your network settings

1.	Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.

2. The Backup or Restore Wizard appears. Click Next.




3. On the Backup or Restore page, make sure that Back up files and settings is selected, and then click Next.




4. On the What to Back Up page, click Let me choose what to back up. Then click Next.




5. On the Items to Back Up page, expand My Computer, and then select System State. You can back up other files and folders at the same time by selecting those folders. Then click Next.

6. On the Backup Type, Destination, and Name page, click the Browse button and select a backup destination with at least 500 megabytes (MB) of free space. Because you’re trying to back up only your network settings, it’s usually okay just to save the backup to your My Documents folder. If you want to be able to restore the backup after a hard disk failure, save the backup to a USB flash drive, an external hard disk drive, or a folder on a different computer. In the Type a name for this backup box, type System settings or another useful description. Click Next.

7. On the Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard page, click Finish.




8. Windows Backup backs up your system settings to the specified location. This will take several minutes. After the backup is complete, click Close.

Connecting Windows XP to Multiple Networks

Having a notebook or laptop provides the freedom to be truly mobile. You can work in many places and situations. But this brings an annoyance: if you move your notebook between various different networks, you always have to change network settings.

If your company network uses TCP/IP protocol and a network server, then you will have your notebook most probably configured to get the IP-address via DHCP:

Properties of the Network connection :

you should see that your TCP/IP-address was "Assigned by DHCP"

You carry your notebook home and connect it to your home-network, to exchange some files with other computers used in your family. Most probably there will be no server installed at your home or another system able to act as DHCP-server, so Windows XP ( like Windows98, WindowsME and Windows 2000) will now assign an Automatic IP-address:

If all other systems at home are also configured to use this Auto-IP-Address generation, then you can use the network without having to reconfigure the TCP/IP-settings on your notebook.

But if you use at home manually assigned IP-addresses (example: 192.168.1.x- range), then you are required to adjust on your notebook the IP-address to match it up with the IP-address range used at home.

You have to do this manually on previous versions of Windows. Windows XP allows you to automate this step: In the Properties of Networking, display the Properties of your LAN network connection ,
display the Properties of the TCP/IP-protocol and select the tab "Alternate Configuration" :

By default, Windows XP will assign an IP-address via Automatic IP-address generation, if no DHCP-server was located on the network. You have now the possibility to change this, to define to use a "User Defined" setting, allowing to define a static IP-address to be used in case that no DHCP-server was located :

This will be indicated in the "Status" of your LAN connection: