improve vista running speed

Question

I know that the best method of improving the performanmces of a system with Windows Vista is to format the c: partition and install all the needed software from scrach.

Do you know any good software which clean the system registry, it show me which programs haven't been used from some time, and other features like that?

When i was a litle kid, i was using the Norton Utilities and later the System Mechanics. On my computers i preffer to reinstal the windows from scarch. Now i have to improve the working speed of a freind computer. What advices do you have for me?

That vista was intalled 1 year ago.

Answer 1

• use Autoruns to weed out the Startup routine.

• visit Blackviper.com and read the Vista tweaking guides.

• disable drive indexing if you don't need context search (or use Everything and do away with Windows Desktop Search altogether).

• run Ccleaner to delete temporary files on a regular basis (get the Slim build w/o browser bar).

• defragment the system drive.

• get the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility to remove old Windows Installers.

• use Revo Uninstaller to uninstall software, remove programs and solve uninstall problems.

• scan the system with MBAM for possible malware infections.

the bendefits of so called 'registry cleaners' are debatable, read Mark Russinovich's take on the issue:

Registry Junk: A Windows Fact of Life

however, i do use RegSeeker, not for the 'clean-up' function but because of the speed and certain features that MS RegEdit is lacking.

Answer 2

I've been using TuneUp Utilities for a long time now, and it gives pretty good results.

The app provides users with a powerful, well-designed utility that accesses the entire Windows maintenance tool set and more in a fast, organized, and easy-to-use series of connected modules.

You can check it out here : http://download.cnet.com/TuneUp-Utilities-2010/3000-18512_4-10206416.html

Answer 3

Set the theme for classic windows. It will turn off all of the graphics enhancements and leave you with a vanilla gui. This will help a lot with memory usage if that is a problem area for you.