-
Step 1
Make sure you are current with all the Windows Vista updates. Your computer should do the updates automatically to take care of any bugs in the system.
-
Step 2
Clean your hard drive. If this is a new computer with Vista, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you can download a program to use such as CCCleaner. This free program deletes any unnecessary files from your hard drive.
-
Step 3
Disengage the Windows search function. Go to the "Start" icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Click on the "Start Search" box. Type in "services.msc" and click "Enter." From the dialog box, select "Windows Search." Double-click on it. Now change the startup type to "Disabled." Next click "Stop" under "Service Status."
-
Step 4
Set Aero differently. Right click anywhere on the desktop. Uncheck the "Enable Transparency" box in "Window Color and Appearance" to help speed video display.
-
Step 5
Remove items you don't use from the Startup Menu. Go to the "Start" icon. Type "msconfig" in the search box. Choose the "Startup" tab. Uncheck any items you feel are unnecessary to start your computer. If you are unsure leave them as they are. Or you can uncheck the items one at a time and reboot your computer after each change.
-
Step 6
Disable the annoying pop-ups that ask if you want to continue. Repeat the first part of Step 5 but this time choose the "Tools" tab. Highlight "Disable User Account Control (UAC)." Click "Launch." Reboot the computer.
-
Step 7
Add and remove gadgets to the Vista sidebar. Click on the "+" to add gadgets. The wrench symbol lets you customize them. Right click on any gadget to move it where you want to place it on the sidebar.
