For XP set your OS for the fastest boot!

[polonus]

Hi malware fighters,

Set OS for fastest boot

Disable devices and channels not in use:

Open the Device manager, Start > Run > type devmgmt.msc

Using Device manager disable any other devices not in use that you can't disable using the BIOS (not on-board etc.). With at least a decent BIOS most on-board devices like COM ports, firewire etc. can be disabled using the BIOS and when disabled they won't show up in device manager.

Using Device manager find IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller (other wording may be used, anyway it's the HD Controller) expand and double click the IDE channels > go to the Advanced settings tab and set Device Type: on None for all channels NOT in use,

polonus

[.: L' arc :.]

-= I see the.. So those are the advantages.. please post the disadvantages too..

[Confused Computer User]

I realize that the title is self explanatory but would this also apply to Vista as well Polonus?

[scythe944]

Doesn't matter what O/S it is.  If you disable a device in the BIOS, it won't be seen by the O/S. No matter what it is.

As for the disadvantages, well, you won't be able to use firewire if you disable firewire in the BIOS....

If you need to use it, re-enable it.

[alanrf]

The main disadvantage is that this advice should probably be left alone by the average user who would, most likely, not understand the post let alone the options available in screens suggested.

[.: L' arc :.]

-= Sorry for my ignorance.. I'll try my best not ask the next time.. Thanks for the replies anyway..

[Tarq57]

Blackvipers' site offers a fairly darned comprehensive tutorial for anyone who wants to go disabling services, BIOS or otherwise, along with plenty of caveats and cautions. I've selectively disabled a handful, definitely makes a difference. Also makes troubleshooting a hell of a lot trickier if you don't remember and understand exactly what you did, though.
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/supertweaks.htm

[RejZoR]

It's best to use native SATA interface. And that is AHCI. If you have an Intel ICHxR chipset, you can enable it by following my guide on www.rejzor.tk (just search for AHCI and you'll find it).

I'm also testing delayed write caching driver with extra 32MB write cache. It's designed for SSD drives but i don't seem to have any problems with it on regular HDD. Just have to check if i really benefit anything.

[DavidR]

The main disadvantage is that this advice should probably be left alone by the average user who would, most likely, not understand the post let alone the options available in screens suggested.

Couldn't agree more, some of this could potentially leave your system unable to boot if you set al your IDE channels to none, where you couldn't get in to change the settings back.

So as has been said changes made in the BIOS would trump those in the registry and not only that are reversible by interrupting the boot to change them back in the BIOS settings.

-= Sorry for my ignorance.. I'll try my best not ask the next time.. Thanks for the replies anyway..

Not asking what the disadvantages are would have been the stupid thing, there was nothing wrong with the question, smart in fact

[polonus]

Hi malware fighters,

I agree here, one learns by asking, and also by posting about these issues, and that is by means of the comment one gets, it is an ever evolving process and that is why I got where I am now with this.
Thanks to the avast forum to communicate all this info, so conclusion after reading this thread: "Do not touch this if you are not savvy to know what you are doing, and then again rethink!",

polonus

[satyr]

Just as an FYI, for the explanations of various BIOS features (i.e. what they mean/do, what are the recommended values etc.) you can check out the very comprehensive/detailed Adrian RojakPot's The Definitive BIOS Optimization Guide.


Best regards, satyr