It’s fairly common for people to want to learn how to speed up their Windows XP startup and boot up; in fact, it’s actually quite the popular topic.  However, we’re going to head to the opposite side of the spectrum right now and delve into how to speed up Windows XP shutdown. Now, since you’re here you’ve probably been suffering from deplorably slow PC shutdown, and we have three tricks that may enable your PC to shut down within seconds as opposed to mind-numbing minutes. Yes – we said seconds.

What we’re going to be sharing today will involve manually editing your computer’s registry.  We generally we advise against such activities because it can be dangerous – however, if you follow our advice and be careful when you’re editing the registry, you should fare just fine.

Before you start – backup the registry

This is a word to the wise whenever you’re making any changes to your computer’s registry, and it’s important to do now.  In order to backup the registry, though, you need to access your PCs registry editor:

Click Start from your desktop >> Run >> Type in “regedit” (no quotes) >> Press OK

At this point you should have your Windows Registry editor in front of you.  To create a backup of your registry:

Click File >> Export

When you’re prompted for the file name, we suggest creating something like “registrybackup-todays.date” or something like that so that you know what the file is.  By default the backup file should be in your My Documents folder.

Important Note: Before you click “Save”, at the bottom of the Export Registry File screen you will see two options under Export Range: All and Selected Branch.  Be 100% sure that you choose All, otherwise you will not have a complete backup of your registry.

Click Save >> Backup Complete!  Be patient, though as it may take a minute or so to process.

Now, onto the tweaks

In order to continue, you should already have your Windows registry editor open.

Tweak #1: This tweak will lower the amount of time Windows allows itself before it kills open applications when you press the shutdown or restart button.

Click HKEY_CURRENT_USER >> Control Panel >> Desktop

Be sure that Desktop is highlighted (in the left panel) and in the right panel find the following:

HungAppTimeout – double click on this entry, enter 1000 and hit OK

WaitToKillAppTimeout – double click on this entry, enter 1000 then hit OK

Tweak #2: This really is an extension of the first tweak, except this one will enable the faster shutdown time for all users instead of just the current user.

Click HKEY_USERS >> .Default >> Control Panel >> Desktop

Just as before, we’re going to change the following values to 1000:

HungAppTimeout – double click on this entry, enter 1000 and hit OK

WaitToKillAppTimeout – double click on this entry, enter 1000 then hit OK

Tweak #3: Our third tweak involves changing the registry to increase the speed by which Windows will kill running services when you press on the restart or shutdown button:

Click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE >> SYSTEM >> CurrentControlSet >> Control

In the right panel you’ll see the entry:

WaitToKillServiceTimeout – double click on this, enter 1000 then hit OK

That’s it – Just close your registry editor, reboot your PC and enjoy the faster shutdown speed for your Windows XP Computer.

Before we go, though, we want to give a special thanks to JohnTP.com for sharing his expertise as the idea for these tweaks came from his website.  We have personally applied these tweaks and can say with 100% certainty that these tweaks speed up Windows XP shutdown considerably.

Enjoy!

Many Windows computer users head to their favorite search engines every day to figure out a way to clean up their computers.  Truthfully, “cleaning up your computer” is rather ambiguous as there can be many different meanings to the phrase.  This phrase can be interpreted as:

1. How can I clean my web browser cache or history
2. How can I clean my temporary internet files
3. How can I clean my registry
4. How can I remove temp files

Amongst a few other meanings.  Because we know that cleaning a computer requires more than just one application, we’ve put together this resource list of computer cleaning tools.  Some of these tools are free and some of them require a little bit of money, but what they all have in common is that they will help you to keep your computer clean.

Malicious software remover – This free software is offered by Microsoft and purports to remove and clean up traces of specific programs such as Blaster, Sasser and MyDoom. Works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000 and Server 2003.

Crap Cleaner – Freeware Windows cleaning program that removes temporary internet files and internet history for Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera.  It also deletes temporary files, cleans your recycle bin and recent documents. This software helps to restore hard drive space and remove files that may compromise your privacy.

RegCure registry cleaner – This program is not free, but it does offer a comprehensive cleaning of your Windows registry which can speed up your computer and help to prevent future errors.

AVG Antivirus – this free spyware/adware/virus removal software offers excellent benefits at the right price (free!).  Regarded as one of the most comprehensive virus removal utilities for Windows computers, this is a must-have tool for PC users who want to be sure that their computer is free and clear of a multitude of nasty programs.

Now, this may be a short list of computer cleanup programs, but this list really does address all facets of cleaning up your computer.  In addition to this, these four programs can help to improve your PCs speed, help you to maintain your privacy and will help to continually protect you from malicious programs; not a bad deal for mostly free software.