Resources

If you have been running Vista for some time then it is likely that you have installed several programs and applications. As a result of increased processing and demands on your system you might be noticing delays in the Vista shut down procedure. One main reason for this is that many software programs run applications in the background, even if they are not actively running, and each has to close before the operating system shuts down.

To increase your shut down speed you can adjust your registry and do some cleanup to rid the clutter and help Vista shut down all the programs that are running. As always, you have to be very careful when adjusting your registry, and you should ensure that you have all your important data backed up to a disk or USB stick in case anything goes wrong.

To edit your computer’s registry click Start and then type regedit in the Start Search. In the registry editor, scroll to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control. On the right side of the screen there is a key called WaitToKillServiceTimeout with a value of 20000. This means that Windows Vista is programmed to wait 20000 milliseconds, or 20 seconds, for the service to stop once it has been notified that the system is shutting down. You can change this setting as low as 5000, or 5 seconds, but shouldn’t go any lower so that the programs have time to close before Vista does. This should speed up the shut down time by closing all the running applications faster.

Another tip to speed up Windows Vista shut down is to prevent Vista from emptying the contents of each page prior to shutting down. If security is a priority on your system, you might prioritize clearing the page contents prior to closing. However, if you are more interested in increasing speed you can try this.

Go in to the registry editor by typing registry editor in the Start Search field and pressing Enter. Type regedit.exe and click OK. Scroll to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\MemoryManagement and double click ClearPageFileAtShutdown and change the value to 0.

There are other general operating techniques that can cut the time you spend waiting for your computer to shut down. First, make sure that your system isn’t running on a cluttered registry. You can use a registry scanner available online to streamline the files left over on your registry from incomplete downloads and other unnecessary bulk. If you know your way around your registry you can open the registry editor yourself and delete what you want, but you need to know where things are and, in either case, you should always back up your registry before making any changes.

You can also decrease the number of programs that your computer automatically loads at startup. The fewer programs that are running at anytime, the faster the computer will function generally and the faster it will shut down. Vista maintains a list of all the running programs and all of the programs set to run at startup in a program called Windows Defender. Once open, click Tools in the menu at the top and then Software Explorer. In addition to startup programs you can also look at, and possibly edit, Currently Running Programs.

Windows Vista Optimization is Different

One way to increase your Vista start up speed is to tone down some of the special features, such as the side bar and the Aero interface. However, while making Vista run more like XP might increase its speed, it is hardly the best way to optimize its performance.

Like Windows XP and other earlier models, Vista has a Performance Monitoring function that eases your ability to configure the operating system. However, on Vista the tool is named Reliability and Performance Monitor and is on the Administrative Tools menu in the Control Panel. In addition to the operating system, the Reliability and Performance Monitor provides performance information of hardware and other software functions to help determine where there are performance bottlenecks.

Vista’s Performance Information and Tools

If this tool is not helpful, or difficult to understand, there is an easier way. New to Vista is the Performance Information and Tools Control Panel, which might be less intimidating to the average user. This panel assesses the computer’s hardware and provides a Windows Experience Index (WEI) score between 1.0 and 5.9.

If you are noticing slower speeds on your laptop compared to your desktop, this might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Whereas an average score for a desktop’s hardware components might be around 5.0, a laptop might rank only a 2. In order to run Vista Aero and other advanced features the system needs a WEI score or about 3.0 or higher. To check your system’s WEI click on Start, Control Panel, Performance Information and Tools.

The WEI rating scheme divides the components into processor, RAM memory, graphics, gaming graphics and hard disk, so you can determine where the bottleneck is occurring.

Even if your laptop is weak in the hardware department, there are still some configurations that you can adjust to increase Vista’s speed on your system. On the left hand side of the Performance Information and Tools Interface there are menu options that can be tweaked to improve startup speed.

Is Vista Bogged Down by all the Extras

When you first get a new computer, it can come loaded with a bunch of software trial programs and other extras that will slow down your start up time. Managing your startup programs will help Vista load more quickly. The more programs you have loading automatically when your computer boots up, the longer the operating system will take to load.

The number of programs that your computer is running at any time, as well as programs set to launch at startup, can be viewed and removed by using Windows Defender. While in the Performance Information and Tools interface, click on Manage Startup Programs in the task pane.

Adjust Visual Effects

Adjusting the settings of your visual effects may also speed up Vista’s loading time. You might have to trade some of the shiny new Vista features for increased performance but, depending on your purposes, you might gladly exchange eye candy for speed. There are some other tools to try, most of which can be found in the Performance Information and Tools console.

There are many different causes of slow running computers. Some are related to the systems hardware and others to your activity on the Internet or sharing files. If your computer has recently slowed drastically it is possible that a virus has infected your system. The first thing you can do to diagnose a virus or other malware program is run an updated virus scan.

Antivirus programs will check the files on your computer and look for any known malicious code. If there is a virus running on your system it will take up space as it multiplies which will interfere with other programs and make the computer function slowly or render some programs unresponsive.

If there is other malicious software like a worm or a Trojan running on your system it will take up bandwidth slowing Internet connectivity, use your IP address for other exchange and/or send spam through the infected system, all of which can vastly impair your computers performance.

Since new viruses are created and issued all the time it is important to keep your computer security updated. If you don’t want to buy software program there are some virus scans available for free on the Internet. Although, helpful looking antivirus software is sometimes used as a delivery system for Trojans so it is important to check the certification of the site. Sometimes it is a good idea to run more than one scan to be extra sure that nothing is missed.

Software is available such as AdAware which is specifically designed to find and remove adware (advertising software that inundates the user’s system with pop-ups and solicitations whether or not the user is online) and Spybot which is designed to combat spyware (software that tracks and records your Internet browsing and website use, recording information when possible).

Other than viruses or infection, many other factors can slow your computer down that have nothing to do with security issues. For example, newer and more sophisticated models run faster than older or less expensive systems. Older and less expensive models are often equipped with less RAM memory, which limits the number of programs that can be run simultaneously, or with less sophisticated processors, which limits the optimal functioning of the system. As a result, shutting down programs that aren’t being used may take the burden off the system and increase its operative speed. Since your RAM memory is refreshed every time you turn off your system a simple re-boot might clear up some space and free up some speed. If RAM shortage and too many programs running is a reoccurring problem you might want to consider purchasing additional RAM.

Another thing to consider is that most new computers come equipped with a number of free trial software programs that create unnecessary bulk. Configuring the system using the add/remove function or an uninstaller can clean up the computer and improve its speed and performance.

Keeping your system in optimal health by running up to date anti-virus and anti-spyware software and removing unnecessary clutter help you recognize a problem if one develops and helps you respond appropriately.

Download Top 3 Registry Cleaners and Improve PC Performance!

• RegCure of ParetoLogic (TechJocks Pick!)
• Registry Mechanic of PCTools
• Registry Booster of Uniblue

Absolutely. The three must-have programs that I recommend to all Windows computer users are an anti-virus program, an anti-spyware program, and a registry cleaner. Each one solves a specific problem that slows your computer down. By solving the problem, you get an immediate boost in speed.

These days, anti-virus and anti-spyware programs aren’t optional. Any computer that connects to the Internet is at risk for computer viruses and spyware. You’ve likely heard the dangers of these nasties. Not only can they destroy data and steal personal information, they can slow your computer down to a crawl. A single infection can lead to multiple infections as these malicious programs multiply and invite all of their buddies to the party on your computer. The more of these bugs you have, the slower your PC becomes. 

Think of malware as tiny programs on your computer. Whenever a program runs, it requires processing power and memory. These programs also communicate back and forth with their evil masters so they also require bandwidth. Now, imagine thousands of programs all running in the background without your knowledge gobbling up system resources and Internet connection speed. By detecting and removing each of these programs, not only will you button up security breaches, you will also improve your computer’s processing power, memory, and bandwidth requirements.

Registry cleaning is one of the best ways to boost your computer’s performance. Many registry cleaning programs are often called PC tune-up tools, optimizers, or performance boosters rather than the utilitarian sounding “cleaning tool.” These products do clean. They also tune-up, optimize, and boost performance as a result.

Registry cleaning tools work by making it safe to edit the Windows registry of unnecessary entries. Don’t worry. You won’t have to do any editing or hard thinking. They work automatically. All you need to do is hit a start button.

The scanner scans your registry for invalid entries and repairs or removes them. For example, if the scanner finds an entry referencing a piece of hardware that is no longer found on the system, the entry is removed. Why send Windows on a wild goose chase in search of something that no longer exists? The scanner also looks at known entries in its constantly updated database and compares it to your results. Known registry issues are often repairable such as entries made to the registry by malicious programs.

By cleaning the registry, you’ll solve more than performance issues. You’ll also solve potentially thousands of computer errors that all begin directly in the system registry.

Getting more performance out of your computer is indeed possible with software. Stock up on the basics and you’ll optimize your system as well as protect and repair it!

Download Top 3 Registry Cleaners and Improve PC Performance!

• RegCure of ParetoLogic (TechJocks Pick!)
• Registry Mechanic of PCTools
• Registry Booster of Uniblue

I know how tempting it is to just toss the old computer and buy a new one when it starts to act up. In fact, I used to do that all the time. Part of this was inspired by the rapid pace of technology; I always wanted the latest thing. If my computer was giving me trouble and a new operating system or Pentium chip was on the market, my computer was history.

While it was nice having the latest and greatest computer on the market, it wasn’t so nice on my pocket book. The kicker was when Windows XP came out. While I didn’t camp out at the parking lot of the local electronics store, I was one of the first to buy a new Windows XP system. I bought a Sony Vaio desktop with the latest cutting-edge Pentium chip at the time. I also maxed out the memory and hard drive.

Imagine my surprise when none of my existing peripherals worked with it. I needed a new printer and scanner right off the bat. Plus, I needed the new Microsoft Office suite which set me back a good $400 or so. And that was just the beginning.

However, that computer rocked! I owned it for six years before finally retiring it in favor of a laptop. I would have kept it but I really wanted to go wireless and mobile. That’s the only reason I don’t still have my beautiful purple Vaio.

So, why the big change from a new computer each year to a six-year-long love affair with a Sony Vaio? Part of it had to do with price. Imagine saving a thousand bucks a year for six years. That’s pretty motivating. Another part had to do with picking a computer that I wouldn’t outgrow right away. The final part had to do with learning how to maintain and optimize my computer for performance when needed.

However, there does come a time when there’s only so much that you can do. Using registry cleaners, anti-virus and anti-spyware tools, and following standard computer maintenance routines will serve your computer well. However, hard drives fry, memory chips fail, power supplies go out, and motherboards fizzle. In addition, even if functioning well, as new technologies emerge, your computer may not be able to keep pace. You may want a new application that your computer simply can’t handle.

My experience has shown me that you can extend the useful life of your computer. The longer you extend it, the more money you save in the long term. Upgrading your computer or repairing failed hardware often costs as much as a new system. If the problem is hardware-related and your computer is obsolete, weigh the costs and consider replacing it. If your computer is still in its prime (or good enough for your purposes) and simply needs a little tune-up, invest in a few utilities like a registry cleaner and anti-spyware and extend its life even further.

Download Top 3 Registry Cleaners and Tune-up your PC!

• RegCure of ParetoLogic (TechJocks Pick!)
• Registry Mechanic of PCTools
• Registry Booster of Uniblue

The beauty of optimizing or repairing your computer using a registry cleaning product such as RegCure from ParetoLogic Software is that it will not cost you a fortune. I first ordered RegCure about a year ago and it cost about $30 or so. Plus, I also received a discount on their XoftSpySE product by purchasing them in tandem.

Most registry cleaning products are in a similar price range. I think anything less than $50 is a bargain, especially compared to the other options. For example, if your computer is acting up, crashing endless, generating multiple computer errors, running out of memory, or constantly requiring you to reboot it, a quick registry cleaning may be all you need.

You could take the computer into your local computer repair shop where you’ll likely pay a $40 to $50 “diagnostic” fee just to have them look at it. Once they diagnose the problem, you’ll be on the hook for further repair costs. And guess what types of tools they use to repair most computer problems? You guessed it: registry cleaners.

Upgrading your computer’s memory also costs a pretty penny and that won’t necessarily solve your computer’s problems, especially if they originate in the Windows registry as most do.

In addition, you can try before you buy with most of the major registry cleaning utilities currently available. For example, you can download a free scanning tool and run a quick scan to see if your computer has any repairable registry entries. If not, fine. It didn’t cost you a penny. If so, you can decide if the product is worth purchasing.

Best of all, ordering a registry cleaning utility isn’t a one-time deal like taking your computer in for a tune-up. Instead, you can set up your computer for regular registry scans and cleaning sessions. Rather than having a boost in performance that only lasts a few weeks, you can set up regular tune-ups and have a computer that runs at its best all the time.