Running Windows Vista (and 7) faster

I've mentioned before some of the methods that I use to get Windows Vista to run more responsively in low memory configurations. These methods also work with the new Windows 7. I've discovered a few more so I thought that I'd add them to the list.

Changing the Windows Aero display to Windows Basic settings causes the Display Window Manager to dramatically reduce in memory footprint. I've seen this achieve between 40 and 70Mb in some larger memory configurations. This can be brought back to a couple of megabytes.

Disable Windows Defender via Tools -> Options if you are using any Anti-Virus program that also have Anti-Spyware and most modern ones do have.

Use the utility program msconfig to stop any unwanted Startup programs and Services from running when the computer boots.

After deleting any superfluous files with a utility like Ccleaner (www.ccleaner.com), use a decent disk defragmenter like Smart Defrag (www.iobit.com).

Obviously fast dual or quad core CPUs, speedy hard drives and large amounts of memory help modern computers overcome the drag that the latest Windows operating systems put on them, but knowing how to tune performance given the hardware you already have can help you a lot.

Philips failure

I rarely accept a trade-in PC when I sell a reconditioned one. But this seemed too good to be true. A just over a year old Philips MT5000 Freestyle mini-tower with Intel E6420 Core 2 Duo CPU, 2Gb memory, 400Gb hard disk drive, ATi Radeon graphics and two DVD writers for £50. The system POSTed and it appeared to indicate a corrupted Windows Vista was the root cause. As the original recovery DVD was supplied, it should just mean a quick wipe disk and reinstall should fix it. It seemed a good deal for just £50.

How wrong I was! The quick fix failed after the re-install when the graphics mode changed, the mouse cursor briefly appeared and then the system power cycled. Not just reset back to BIOS, but the power light went out and then came back on again. I'd never seen that happen on a computer before. Strangely I tried a generic Windows Vista version and that behaved exactly the same. Windows XP installed fine and appeared to be stable. But I wanted to use the Windows Vista license with this system. I ran a MemTst86 memory diagnostic and that failed after a while by just freezing. No memory errors. I tested the memory in another machine and the two sticks passed without any problems. I thought it might be a power problem, so I swapped the PSUs and graphics cards and exactly the same happened. It just had to be the motherboard.

So I've ordered a new motherboard and a new case, as the old Philips one was scratched, broken and dirty in an attempt to get my money back when I sell the system. However this will not compensate me for the time taken to try to diagnose this system, disassemble it and rebuild it again. I've learnt my lesson not to be tempted by trading in a system that doesn't work!

UPDATE: The new motherboard did fix the problem.