atomicXP

Once you have installed Windows XP, before you do anything else, you should have a look at atomicXP. This tool allows you to completely tweak your system, but not in the ways you are used to with the likes of TweakUI and similar programs. This tool needs to be used with care, as it makes a number of changes to your registry and has been designed for use only on fresh installations of Windows XP. The program has been designed with speed in mind. If you don't like the bloat of Windows XP, but want to use its new features, this is the tool for you. Media Player 7.x has received much bad press for its sluggishness, so why not revert to Media Player 6.4 and the Deluxe CD Player? You can do this and more with atomicXP.

System requirements: Windows XP only

Installation

Install atomicXP

DNS Cache Tweak

If you have been using your keyboard for any length of time, there will undoubtedly have been occasions when you have wished that you could move a few keys around. The accidentally pressed Caps Lock key has been at the source of many an office swearing session, and Remapper aims to put a stop to it. You need to ensure that you are logged into your computer as an administrator before running the program. Now simply select the keyboard remap option you would like to implement and click Enable. After a quick reboot, your keyboard will have a new layout.

Installation

Install DNS cache Tweak

Hotkey Control XP

There are a number of programs which do not so much speed up Windows XP itself, but allow you faster access to common controls and programs. Hotkey Control XP allows you to assign keyboard combinations to perform various functions, ranging from altering the volume to ejecting CDs. You can also control the playback of audio CDs, run macros, shutdown your computer, open any file on your system and run your application using a hotkey.

Installation

Install Hotkey Control XP

xp-AntiSpy

If you are paranoid about some of Microsoft's 'phone home' features built in to Windows XP, xp-AntiSpy may be able to calm your concerns. Although all of the settings the program changes can be edited in the registry, xp-AntiSpy gives you a convenient interface to access them all in a matter of minutes. Before you get started, you must make sure that you are logged into Windows as an administrator in order for the change to take effect. You can disable error reporting, automatic Media Player license acquisition, automatic updates for both Internet Explorer and Windows itself, Messenger auto-start and other 'dubious' internet related activities. Note: this is not a cracking tool that allows you to bypass Windows Product Activation!

Installation

Install xp-AntiSpy

Copy To Folder/Move To Folder

The SendTo context menu was much applauded when it was first introduced, and now there is a registry hack which gives you two new options. Run the setup file and then double click on the .reg file that is copied to your hard drive. After merging this file with the registry your right click menu will contains two new entries - Copy To Folder and Move To Folder. This is self-explanatory, but it is a very well-designed, simple solution to an irritating problem. Once you select either option, a dialog box will appear allowing you to navigate to any folder on your hard drive. If you are bad at planning, you'll be pleased to hear that you are given the opportunity to create a new folder.

Installation

Install Copy To Folder/Move To Folder

Resource Hacker

This next program is for the more advanced Windows user - not necessarily Windows XP. Resource Hacker allows you to look inside Windows executables (.exe, .dll, .cpl and .ocx) and view and extract a range of resources such as sounds, images, icons, menus and dialogs. These resources can also be modified, effectively allowing you to completely customise the appearance of Windows by personalising menus and other program options. You also have the option of adding new resources and features to programs if your programming skills allow.

Installation

Install Resource Hacker