How to Speed Up Windows XP Shutdown

A computer is fast when it is new but over time becomes much slower. As time goes by, you install more and more programs, and this can cause Windows XP to shut down slower. You can speed up Windows XP shutdown by making a few changes in the Windows Registry. It is important to back up the Windows Registry before you get started.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" followed by "Run." Type "regedit" in the Open field and click "OK." This opens the Windows Registry Editor. Click "File," and then "Export." Name the file and click "Save." This will back up the Windows Registry so that if you make any mistakes you can restore the registry back to its previous state.

2. Click the + sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE in the Windows Registry Editor, and then drill down to System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management. Right-click "ClearPageFileAtShutdown" on the left side of the screen and select "Modify." Put a "0" in the Value Data box and click "OK."

3. Drill down to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control. Right-click on "WaitToKillServiceTimeout" and select "Modify." Enter "1000" in the Value Data box and click "OK."

4. Click the + sign next to HKEY_CURRENT_USER and drill down to Control Panel\Desktop. Make the following changes to the keys in the right pane of the window:

   Right-click the "HangAppTime" registry key, select "Modify," enter "1000" in the Value Data box and click "OK."

   Right-click the "AutoEndTasks" registry key. Select "Modify," enter "1" in the Value Data box and click "OK."

   Right-click the "WaitToKillApp" registry key. Select "Modify," enter "1000" in the Value Data box and click "OK."

5. Exit the Windows Registry Editor and restart the computer for the registry changes to take effect.

References

• The Elder Geek: Modify Shutdown Time For Services To Close
• "Windows XP Hacks, Second Edition"; Preston Gralla; 2005