XP Visual Special Effects

Click on any underlined word to see its meaning. Words with ** before and after, are downloadable links. 

 

The Problem

The additional visual and special effect ‘frills’ available in Windows XP slow down your computer. 

 

The Solution

One of the easiest ways to increase the speed of a computer running XP is to turn off the unnecessary visual effects. You can definitely live without them!

 

The Method

Follow the steps below to adjust the visual effects for the best possible performance.

 

1. Right click the My Computer Icon on your Desktop or in the Start Menu.

2. Select Properties by Left Clicking, from the options that appear.

3. Choose the Advanced Tab, making sure it is to the front.

4. Under the Performance Heading, click the Settings button. This will take you the window shown below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Select the Custom button and uncheck all the boxes in the list except Use visual styles on windows and buttons at the bottom. (If you're really struggling for speed though, you may turn this option off as well, but you will lose the smart XP look!)