DIY NortonLive PC Power Boost for Windows XP

If you are using Windows 7 or Vista, Click Here

About the Service:

Slow startup times and sluggish behavior are all signs of a PC in need of a Power
Boost. These instructions will help you trim the fat and get your computer back in the
fast lane.

Disclaimer: Modifying your computer system can cause system failure. Symantec
assumes no liability for the application of the steps contained herein.

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tep 1
Create a System Restore Point

System Restore is a feature that backs up critical operating system files and settings,
allowing you to safely restore them if you make a mistake. Think of it like Undo for
Windows.

1. Click the Windows Start Menu and select Programs (or All Programs,
depending on your configuration).
2. From there, select Accessories, then System Tools, then System Restore.
This will bring up the System Restore Wizard, which will allow you to save the state
of critical operating system files for later recovery if necessary.
3. Select Create a Restore Point, then click Next. Restore points are very
thorough, so it may take a few moments to create it. A prompt will appear when
finished, letting you know that the restore point is complete. Click Close.
Now that you've got a safety net, move on to step 2.

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tep 2
Optimizing Virtual Memory
Virtual memory settings determine how Windows assigns memory resources to
programs as they're needed. By simplifying the configuration, Windows performance
can be increased.

1. Right click on My Computer and select Properties.

2. Select the Advanced tab in the window that appears, then click Settings in the
Performance section.
3. Once again, select the Advanced tab in the window that appears.
4. Finally, click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section. Your current
virtual memory settings will appear.The C: drive should be selected by default.
5. In the Paging file size for selected drive, select Custom size.
6. Note the Recommended size in the section entitled Total paging file size for
all drives.
7. Set both Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB) to this value.
8. Click Set to ensure the change is put into effect.
9. Press OK to close the window, then close the Performance Options and
System Properties windows.
10. If you are asked to restart your computer, go ahead.
When finished, you're ready for step 3.

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tep 3:
Customize the Recycle Bin Size

Files placed in the recycle bin still take up space, even if you think they're gone. By
reducing the recycle bin's maximum size, you can reduce wasted space.

1. Right click the Recycle Bin and select Properties.

2. In the window that appears, select the Global tab, then select the Use one
setting for all drives option.
3. Drag the Maximum size of Recycle Bin slider to 3%. This will allocate a
smaller portion of your drives to the recycle bin, ensuring less wasted space.
Reducing the Recycle bin size can impact your retrieval of mistakenly deleted items,
adjust accordingly.
Your browser's low-disk-space diet has begun, move to step 4.

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tep 4:
Run the Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Unused icons tend to build up over time, cluttering your desktop and making your
computer more difficult to use. The Desktop Cleanup Wizard helps clear up the mess.
 1. Right click on your desktop and select Properties.
2. In the Display Properties window, click the Desktop tab, then click Customize
Desktop... to open the Desktop Items window.
3. Click Clean Desktop Now to start the wizard.
4. Click Next.
5. A list will appear, displaying each icon as well as the date it was last used.
When the wizard runs, any icon checked in this list will be removed from the
desktop. Note that some of them may already be checked by default-these are icons
you haven't used in a while. Scroll through the list and make sure you don't want to
keep any of the icons checked to be relocated. When you're ready to proceed, click
Next, then Finish to complete the wizard.
6. All checked icons will be moved to a new folder called Unused Desktop
Shortcuts .
Looking better already! You're all set for step 5.

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tep 5
Disable Startup Items

Your computer follows a list of instructions every time it starts up, performing tasks and
starting programs. By removing unnecessary items from this list, your startup time can
be improved. This is an advanced step, however, and a familiarity with startup items
and related troubleshooting is recommended.

1. Click the Windows Start menu and select Run.

2. In the prompt that appears, type MSCONFIG and press OK.
3. When the System Configuration Utility appears, select the Startup tab. A list
of your computer's startup items will appear, allowing you to make changes to the
programs and services that load when your computer boots up. Uncheck anything
that isn't necessary. Research any items you may have questions about. Disabling
some items may cause aspects of the computer to not function correctly.
4. Click OK.
5. When asked to restart your computer, click Restart.
6. Upon restarting Windows, you be prompted about the changes you've made.
Check the box labeled Do not show this message and click OK.
7. If you experience trouble of any kind after modifying the startup item list, return
to the System Configuration Utility and re-check the items you disabled.
Feeling faster yet? Time for step 6.

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tep 6
Disable Unneeded Services
Windows manages an array of services that perform tasks and provide various
capabilities. Not all are necessary, however. By removing the extraneous ones, your
computer has less to juggle and will behave more responsively.

1. Click the Windows Start menu and select Run.

2. In the prompt that appears, type SERVICES.MSC and press OK.
3. The Services console appears, along with a complete list of services currently
available on your computer. Two of them can be safely disabled: Indexing Service
and Remote Registry.
4. To disable a service, find its name in the list, right click it, and select
Properties. In the window that appears, set the service's Startup Type to Disabled
and click OK.
5. After disabling both services, close the Services console.
Now that Windows has extra breathing room, move on to step 7.

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tep 7
Delete Microsoft Windows Temporary files

Windows creates temporary files to store internal data needed for its operation. By
periodically cleaning up these files, performance can be kept at its maximum level.

1. Click the Windows Start menu and select Run.

2. In the prompt that appears, type %TEMP% and press OK. The folder window
should appear titled Temp.
3. Select all of the files in the folder either by pressing Ctrl A or by clicking the
Edit menu and selecting Select All.
4. With all of the files selected, press Delete on your keyboard, or right click any
of the highlighted icons and select Delete.
5. In the event that a given temporary file is in use, Windows will let you know and
prevent you from deleting it. Don't worry about these.
With more junk out of the way, get ready for step 8.

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tep 8
Running the Disk Cleanup Utility

The Disk Cleanup Utility analyzes your hard drive and determines how much space it
can free by deleting system files and resources that are no longer needed.

1. Click the Windows Start Menu and select Programs (or All Programs,
depending on your configuration).
 2. From there, select Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Cleanup.
3. The Disk Cleanup Utility will then begin a complete analysis of your hard drive
to determine how much space can be freed. This process may take up to 10 minutes
depending on the speed of your computer and the size of your hard drive.
4. Once complete, the Disk Cleanup window will appear. The Disk Cleanup tab
lists the items that can be deleted and the amount of space each will free. Check
the following items:
o Downloaded Program Files
o Temporary Internet Files
o Offline Web Pages
o Recycle Bin (pending customer approval)
o Setup Log Files
o Temporary Files
o WebClient / Publisher Temporary Files
o Temporary Offline Files
o Offline Files
o Catalog Files for the Content Indexer
5. Click OK, then click Yes when the Are you sure you want to perform these
actions? prompt appears.
6. The Disk Cleanup Utility will begin erasing the specified files and will close
itself when finished.
Time for step 9!

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tep 9
Uninstalling Programs

Often times, programs are installed but used only rarely, if ever. Nevertheless,
unnecessary programs consume disk space and should be removed.

1. Click the Windows Start Menu and select Run.

2. In the run box type appwiz.cpl. The window that appears will present a list of
all programs currently installed on your computer.
3. Select each program you no longer need and click Remove. This will initiate the
program's uninstall sequence, which is usually automatic.
4. Be sure to leave the Add or Remove Programs window open for the next step.
Now that even more fat's been trimmed, move on to step 10.

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tep 10
Remove Unused Internet Explorer Toolbars

Special toolbars are commonly installed in Internet Explorer, sometimes even without a
user's knowledge. Removing them can greatly speed up browser performance.
 1. If you completed the last step, the Add or Remove Programs window should
still be open.
2. This time, look for programs with names containing the word Toolbar.
3. Just like last time, select the unwanted toolbar programs and click their
corresponding Remove buttons.
This is just one of many ways to optimize your browser. Step 11 continues the process.

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tep 11
Set Internet Explorer Cache size to 50 MB

Internet Explorer stores copies of website data on the hard drive while browsing.
Reducing the amount of space available for this process can free up hard drive space
for other uses.

1. Click the Windows Start Menu and select Run, then type inetcpl.cpl in the run
box. This will bring up the Internet Options window.
2. Under the General tab, look for a section called Browsing history or
Temporary Internet Files (depending on your browser version).
3. Click the Settings button to bring up the Temporary Internet Files and History
Settings window.
4. Set the spinner marked Disk space to use to 50 and click OK. You'll be using
the Internet Options window in the next step, so go ahead and leave it open.
Step 12 is next.

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tep 12
Disabling Script debugging

Internet Explorer will alert you when a web page is improperly programmed, but this is
usually unnecessary information that simply gets in your way. Disabling this option can
make browsing a much smoother experience.

1. After the last step, the Internet Options window should still be open.
2. This time, open the Advanced Tab and find Disable Script Debugging
(Internet Explorer) and Disable Script Debugging (Other), both of which should
be in the Browsing section of the list.
3. Make sure both boxes are checked, then click OK.
With your internet options taken care of step up to Step 13.
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tep 13
Setup Windows Automatic Updates

Windows Update is a service that fixes bugs, keeps software up-to-date, and ensures
your computer is protected from threats as they emerge.

1. Windows Update is most useful when it's set to run automatically, ensuring
you're always up-to-date. To make sure you're configured properly, click the
Windows Start menu and in the Run box type wuaucpl.cpl.
2. In the window that appears, make sure Automatic (recommended) is selected.
3. For best results, make sure the automatic download option is set to Every Day.
Click OK.
You're now ready to move on to step 14.

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tep 14
Defragment your Hard Drive

Defragmentation is an important part of cleaning a hard drive. It is also one of the least
expensive and most overlooked methods of getting your computer to run more
efficiently.

1. Click the Windows Start menu, type dfrg.msc into the Run box, and press
Enter to start the File Defragmentation utility.
2. Select the drive you wish to defragment and press Defragment. Defragmenting
a hard drive can be a time consuming process, and depends on the size of your
hard drive, the amount of space in use, and other factors.
Congratulations! If you have followed all of the prescribed steps you
have performed a PC Power Boost on your computer. Enjoy!

Thank you for completing these steps, is your issue resolved?

Yes
No
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