Optimizing Windows XP for low memory systems

[TechnoPro]

I realize that the only correct answer is "Buy more RAM". That said, however, what can be done to maintain a stable system that performs adequately if RAM is on the low end? I've seen tweaking guides on the web, but now I'm curious as to what works and what doesn't. Any pointers?

 

[Lemon law]

MY wife never used her windows XP system for much---just e-mail and such---and I tried various speed up tricks--with few results---even though her system had 256 MB memory---with some of that shared.

When I finally added another 256 MB ram---I did get a dramatic reduction in boot time---but some would still advocate 512 MB is still a low amount of ram for XP.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Lemon law
MY wife never used her windows XP system for much---just e-mail and such---and I tried various speed up tricks--with few results---even though her system had 256 MB memory---with some of that shared.

When I finally added another 256 MB ram---I did get a dramatic reduction in boot time---but some would still advocate 512 MB is still a low amount of ram for XP.

In my case, a client's system has 128MB. 256 would be a godsend!

 

[MrChad]

Start with the basics. Disable startup programs in MSCONFIG, switch to the less resource-intensive Classic Theme and disable visual effects (Display Properties / Appearance / Effects).

You can try disabling some services, but I don't think you'll be able to free up much that way.

 

[Nothinman]

With only 128M I doubt you'll ever get it to the point where it's "adequate" by most people's standards.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
With only 128M I doubt you'll ever get it to the point where it's "adequate" by most people's standards.

Yeah. I'm not a "size Queen" when it comes to RAM, and XP certainly CAN run in 128MB if you don't load it down with a bunch of background processes. But most 128MB PCs I see at clients are dogs. I often just GIVE my clients an old spare 256MB RAM module just to avoid having to listen to their complaints about "slow computers".

 

[TG2]

My PC at home is a P3 550mhz with 128mb PC100.

Ive turned off system restore, set theme to classic and set the folder icon settings to details intead of tiles/icons.
Also disabled these services :> remote registry, wireless zero ..., portable serial number..., themes...,windows audio, windows firewall, terminal services, print spooler

runs actually not so bad fo rday to day email and surfing..and this is on a 9gb 5400rpm drive, ata33

 

[mechBgon]

Bigger picture: which is cheaper, another 128MB of RAM, or an hour of a professional's time spent trying to make a 128MB machine work better? 😀

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
With only 128M I doubt you'll ever get it to the point where it's "adequate" by most people's standards.

I know that. You know that. But some people don't see the forest for the trees.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: MrChad
Start with the basics. Disable startup programs in MSCONFIG, switch to the less resource-intensive Classic Theme and disable visual effects (Display Properties / Appearance / Effects).

You can try disabling some services, but I don't think you'll be able to free up much that way.

This is exactly what I did. I also told the user to avoid multitasking...

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Bigger picture: which is cheaper, another 128MB of RAM, or an hour of a professional's time spent trying to make a 128MB machine work better? 😀

Hey, a guy's gotta make a living! 😉

 

[imported_Ned Flanders]

nLiteOS - You do that right and you can boot windows XP with 64Mb of RAM. No lie.

Nlite rocks. It strips out all the garbage you don't want in XP and creates a bootable CD which you then use to reinstall XP...only this time it's much 'lighter' 😀