Change XP Menu Speed

Most users seem to stick with the default settings rather than reverting to the Classic interface found in previous Windows versions. But you might want to change the delay you notice when you click the Start menu. I see no reason for there to be any delay when I click the Start menu. The default speed can be adjusted with a quick Registry hack.

Go to the Registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\MenuShowDelay. The default value is 400. Set it to 0 to remove the delay completely, but if you do that it will be nearly impossible to move the mouse fast enough not to activate All Programs if you mouse over it en route to your final selection. Pick a number that suits your style, make the change, and then test it until you find a good compromise between speed
and usability.

Disable Prefetch

Prefetching (the reading of system boot files into a cache for faster loading) is a commonly overlooked component that can have a significant impact on system boot time. This tweak allows you to select which components will make use of the prefetch parameters. To see which files are gathered using each setting, clear the prefetch cache located at C:\Windows\Prefetch and then enable one of the settings listed in this hack. Clear the cache and repeat for each setting.

Set the Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters\EnablePrefetcher to 0 to disable prefetching, 1 to prefetch application launch files, 2 to prefetch boot files, or 3 to prefetch as many files as possible.

Clean Shortcuts

OK so we love how Windows can create shortcuts to any item that we might use with any regularity,but we hate that annoying white square box in the bottom corner of the icon. We already know its a shortcut we put it there. So here is how to remove that square box.

Open up your favorite registry editor and head to this location “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile “ When you get there you should see, on the right hand pane “IsShortcut”. When you have found it, right click on it and select delete. When you reboot your computer that annoying square box will be gone.

Ad-Aware Scan Tip

Here is a quick tip for you, especially if you find yourself with a clogged up machine that has trouble running even the basic programs. When you run any of your anti-spyware scans make sure that other programs are not open. Other programs being any that connect to the Internet, as Windows will see them as “in use”, and therefore they will not get scanned as thoroughly. The idea is that spyware might have integrated itself so thoroughly within the program that it cannot get removed during a scan, again cause of the “in use” flag Windows sets.

Generally when I run my scans I try and have it be the only program that is running, and run them as a scheduled task late at night, so it does not get in the way of me needing to use my computer. You can write a small batch script that will automatically reboot your machine at a specific time, and just have that anti-spyware scan be the first thing that runs after the computer has been shutdown.

Firefix Skins

Check out these free skins .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

GreenShift
This dark, black-and-green skin offers rounded buttons and laser-etched highlights. Veteran dark-theme lovers will appreciate this slick, stylish creation.

PimpZilla
People who like to get down and funky can't go wrong with PimpZilla. A leopard-skin backdrop, fuzzy dice, and fancy cars are all in the mix.

Azerty III 2
This fun theme uses all the colors of the rainbow for nice, rounded buttons. The clever design approach makes this theme unique but not annoying.

Qute
Attractively designed buttons blend well with Windows XP. Those who want an unobtrusive theme need look no further.

Modern Pinball
This mostly gray theme is subtle, but a close look reveals its flair. The 3D, convex style of the buttons lends a futuristic appeal.