Creating a dual-boot Gaming PC – Part 2, Configuring XP
Posted on 14. Nov, 2008 by Mike Halsey in gaming, guides and how to's
In part 1 of this I showed you how to install both Windows XP and Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration. If you’re going to use XP exclusively for gaming though you need to do some streamlining to maximise perfomance.
The first thing you should do is switch off all the fancy desktop stuff. To do this, first right click anywhere on your blank destop and select Properties from the context-menu that appears.
Now set the desktop style to Windows Classic Style and press the OK button. You should also delete all references to Internet Explorer from the Start Menu and desktop. This is not a Windows installation designed for web browsing as it will have no security. If you really need access to the Internet in XP you can still get it through the Windows Update window.
Next open the Start Menu and select Run.
A small window will appear into which you should type “services.msc” and then press Enter.
You might want to click on the ‘Startup…” column to sort the services list by type. Then you will be able to see what is automatically running when Windows starts. Services are Windows components that do specific jobs like managing printing or networking.
You can shut down a service by right clicking on it and selecting Properties. Here I have highlighted in GREEN services that can safely be shut down. Those I have marked in YELLOW you might want to leave running. It might look like there’s an awful lot left running but I woul;dn’t recommend shutting anything else down.
To shut down a service set it’s Startup type to Disabled and press OK.
Once you have shut down the unnecessary Windows services select Control Panel from the Start Menu and click on the link in the top left of the window, Switch to Classic View.
Double-click on the Security Center icon.
Next you will want to open the settings for the Windows Firewall and switch it off.
Back in the Control Panel double click the System icon and in the window that appears click on the Advanced tab and then the Settings button in the Performance section.
Under the Visual Effects tab select Adjust for best performance and click the OK button.
Then click on the Advanced tab and in the Virtual Memory section, click on the Change button.
You will want to change the amount of virtual memory Windows uses. This is a file on the hard drive that is used when your physical memory is full. By default this file grows and shrinks in size, causing fragmentation problems on your hard drive. Select Custom size and you will see at the bottom of the window what the operating system suggests you set it to, it’s recommended setting.
You now have a copy of Windows XP set up for gaming performance, have fun. TO find out how to configure Windows Vista refer to my Vista Power Users Guide.
Warning!
Because there is no anti-virus or firewall protection AT ALL in this Windows set-up it is very important that you NEVER let anybody use it for web browsing or checking email! That’s what your copy of Windows Vista in your dual-boot system is there for.
it with others, or 
Mike Halsey
Sep 5th, 2009
This system is designed to allow on-line games to work better. That said if you can afford Windows 7 when it comes out you won’t need a dual boot system at all