Tweaking PC Resources

[ggm1960]

Most Win XP PC'ers are probably aware of system tweaks to maximize audio performance (especially important for laptops I think). Things like removing unnecessary junk from loading in the Taskbar, Disabling Hibernation mode, shutting down screen savers and networks etc. But has anyone taken a look at all the stuff running in Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Component Services - Services (Local)?

It looks like there are a lot of things that could be stopped in there while using the computer for audio apps but the obvious questions are: would it improve audio performance and would one be able to restore the settings to what they were?

[macle]

Try "optimizing xp for audio" in google, or something like that.

 

I think Tascam has an "optimizing xp for audio" thing which lists the services and what you can turn off, how to do it, etc.

[boons]

http://www.musicxp.net/ is a good resource, and http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm has plenty of info on winxp services. Or at least it had; it's gone now. Try http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP%20Services.htm.

 

 

MSCONFIG is your friend. Most items in the Startup tab can be unchecked.

 

Instead of running a barebones setup, I opted to use batch scripts to turn off and on non-critical services. E.g. to turn off unneeded services on my DAW:

 

 

 

 

To turn them back on I use a script with the NET START command, but with the order of the services reversed. I hope this helps you in getting started, since there is a lot more to it, both in software and hardware, that you can do for an optimal PC DAW.