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Disable Last Access Attribute
By default, Windows updates the attribute "Last Access at" each time you access a file. If you don't need this feature, you can disable it here to save time. What this means is that every time that Windows accesses a file, it will stamp it with the date and time that it was last accessed. By disabling this option, it won't do that resulting in faster access times for files.
 
Clear pagefile on shutdown
By default, the Windows pagefile (for temp. memory) is left intact on shutdown, and could be scanned for useful information. By enabling this option, the pagefile is cleared on shutdown by Windows.  It will slow down the shutdown process. Depending on the size of the pagefile and the speed of your system it could take up to 2 minutes for Windows XP to shutdown with this feature enabled.  But makes your computer more secure.  And helps boost performance of the paging file by keeping it clean and unfragmented.
 
Disable 8+3 Filenames (NTFS Only)
If "Create 8+3 filenames" is activated (default), Windows also creates a 8+3 filename for each file. Only 16-bit apps will need those 8+3 names.  Only necessary on NTFS file system.  If you're not sure, here is a way to tell.  Right click your harddrive in Explorer and select "Properties".  It will tell you your filesystem. (NTFS, FAT32, FAT)  This setting has been known to cause problems with Norton Antivirus Liveupdate and any old MS DOS or Windows 3.1 or some Windows 95 programs.
 
Optimize contiguous files size
Sets the optimum contiguous file size for Windows XP on NTFS file system.
Helps speed up disk access times by reducing fragmentation. Works on FAT32 drives as well.
 
Optimize I/O pages
This option allows you to change the size of the filesystem cache. Helps speed up disk reads and writes for large files.
 
Optimize for Fast Boot
Optimizes the computer for fast booting. Sets the prefetcher to optimize boot files as well as application files.  Note: Deleting the prefetch files will give you a extremely slow boot for about 3 boots.  After that it will boot like a rocket.
 
Disable Low Disk Space Warning
This option allows you to disable the annoying low disk space warning.  Disabling this can also help increase hard drive performance a little. 
 
Use Large System Cache
Can dramatically increase performance when reopening programs. However, it is best suited for a server environment. Alot of system memory is used for this feature, therefore using this on a standalone computer that isn't running as a server is a bad idea. It can reduce performance on a standalone computer.
 
Disable Paging of Kernel
Windows XP is allowed to page parts of its kernel (the heart of Windows XP). Only recommended if you have 512MB of memory or more.  Less memory than that could cause your computer to crash.  With 512MB or memory or more this setting will drastically increase Windows XP response.
 
Unload Dll's Directly
Normally, Windows waits a short time before DLLs are removed from memory. If you activate this option, Windows removes them directly without waiting. I recommend this setting only if you have 128 MB or less of RAM.
 
Low level hook timeout; service timeout; program timeout
I recommend setting all of these.  They help keep the computer from hanging on ShutDown.  And shutdown hung applications quickly.  Gives better system stability in my opinion.   Windows XP is forcing programs to shutdown.  In some circumstances this can be bad.  For example if you have a program that needs to save something on exit, it may not save it.  In that case, unselect the timeout settings to return them to Windows XP defaults.
 
Optimize CD Rom/RW
Optimizes read-ahead and write behind caches.  Makes your CD drive faster.
 
 
Set L2 Cache
A L2 cache is very fast memory right in the processor.  Windows NT/2K/XP's L2 Cache size is optimized for 256K. Newer computer's L2 caches commonly exceed 256K .  (0 means 256k by default) Use this setting if L2 cache size exceeds 256K.  XP Smoker attempts to determine your L2 Cache size, if it is incorrect download CPU-Z .  It is freeware and can be downloaded at www.majorgeeks.com.  It is in the processors section. 
 
 Return all Settings to defaults button
This button will return all settings to Windows XP defaults.  I recommend using the system restore feature first.  If you cannot restore from a restore point or you have System Restore disabled, this button will get your computer working again if a tweak doesn't agree with your computer. 
 
Manage CPU Priority
This tweak allows you to choose how you want processor time configured for running programs on your computer.  I recommend the overall system performance setting unless you are an avid gamer.  This will give the quickest and smoothest operation of your computer, especially if you are using a Hyperthreaded Processor.
  
Optimize Graphics Effects
This tweak optimizes the settings for the Windows XP's Themes. It will still give you the good looks without all the extra features that can slow down performance.