How to Download, Install, and Optimize Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB
Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB: A Review
Windows XP is one of the most popular and widely used operating systems in history. It was released by Microsoft in 2001 and supported until 2014. However, even after its official end of life date, many people still prefer to use Windows XP over newer versions of Windows because of its simplicity, stability, compatibility, and nostalgia.
Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB
Download File: https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Furlcod.com%2F2uluq2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw3g-Jv4TT2ALW0IJkVg3JG1
However, Windows XP also has some drawbacks that make it less suitable for modern computing needs. For example, it requires more disk space and memory than newer operating systems; it is not compatible with some newer hardware and software; it is not updated or secured by Microsoft anymore; and it may not perform well on older or low-end machines.
That's why some enthusiasts have created unofficial versions of Windows XP that are modified to improve its performance and functionality. One of these versions is called Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. As its name suggests, this version of Windows XP is only 179 MB in size (compared to about 700 MB for a standard Windows XP installation), which means it can fit on a single CD or USB drive. It also claims to offer faster boot time, lower resource usage, better compatibility with older hardware and software, and more features than a standard Windows XP installation.
But is Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB really worth using? How does it compare to other versions of Windows XP? And what are the pros and cons of using it? In this article, we will review Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB and answer these questions. We will also show you how to download, install, use, and optimize this operating system, and provide some FAQs at the end. Let's get started!
How to download and install Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB
Before you can use Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB, you need to download and install it on your computer. Here are the steps to do that:
Downloading the ISO file
The first step is to download the ISO file of Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. An ISO file is a disk image file that contains all the data and files of an operating system. You can find the ISO file of Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB on various websites and forums, such as this one. However, be careful when downloading from unofficial sources, as they may contain viruses or malware. Always scan the file with an anti-virus program before opening it.
Another thing to check before downloading the ISO file is its integrity. This means verifying that the file has not been corrupted or tampered with during the download process. You can do this by comparing the checksum or hash value of the file with the original value provided by the creator or uploader of the file. A checksum or hash value is a unique string of numbers and letters that identifies a file. You can use a tool like MD5 & SHA Checksum Utility to calculate and compare the checksum or hash value of the ISO file.
Once you have downloaded and verified the ISO file, you need to burn it to a CD or USB drive. This will allow you to boot your computer from the CD or USB drive and install Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. You can use any software that can burn ISO files to CDs or USB drives, such as ImgBurn for CDs or Rufus for USB drives. Follow the instructions of the software to select the ISO file, choose the destination drive, and start the burning process.
Installing the operating system
The next step is to install Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB on your computer. To do this, you need to boot your computer from the CD or USB drive that contains the ISO file. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to make your computer boot from the CD or USB drive instead of your hard drive. To access your BIOS settings, press a key like F2, F10, or Del when your computer starts up. Then, look for an option like Boot Order or Boot Priority and change it accordingly.
Once you boot from the CD or USB drive, you will see a screen that asks you to press any key to start Windows XP Setup. Press any key and wait for the setup program to load. Then, follow these steps:
Accept the license agreement by pressing F8.
Select a partition where you want to install Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. If you have an empty or unformatted partition, select it and press Enter. If you have an existing partition with data on it, you can either delete it by pressing D (this will erase all data on it) or leave it as it is (this will create a dual boot system where you can choose between Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB and your existing operating system). If you have no partitions at all, create one by pressing C and specify its size.
Select a file system for your partition. You can choose between NTFS (recommended) or FAT32 (not recommended). NTFS is more secure and efficient than FAT32, but FAT32 is more compatible with older hardware and software. Press Enter to confirm your choice.
Wait for the setup program to copy files to your partition. This may take a few minutes.
Enter a CD key when prompted. You can use any valid Windows XP CD key that matches your edition (Home or Professional). You can find some CD keys online, such as this one, but use them at your own risk.
Enter a computer name and an administrator password when prompted. You can choose any name and password you like.
Select your date, time, and time zone settings when prompted.
Select your network settings when prompted. You can either choose Typical Settings (recommended) or Custom Settings (not recommended ) if you want to configure your network manually. You may need to enter your IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server information if you choose Custom Settings.
Wait for the setup program to complete the installation. This may take a few minutes.
Restart your computer when prompted. Remove the CD or USB drive from your computer before restarting.
Log in to Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB with the administrator account and password you created earlier.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB on your computer. Now, let's see how to use it.
How to use Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB
Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB is very similar to a standard Windows XP installation, except that it has some features removed and some features added. Here are some tips on how to use this operating system:
Exploring the desktop and settings
The desktop of Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB looks like this:
As you can see, it has a blue background with a Windows logo, a taskbar at the bottom with a Start button and a system tray, and some icons on the left side. These icons are shortcuts to some applications and utilities that are included in the operating system, such as Internet Explorer 6, Notepad, Paint, Calculator, etc. You can double-click on any icon to open the corresponding application or utility.
You can also access the Start menu by clicking on the Start button or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. The Start menu looks like this:
The Start menu has two columns: the left column contains some frequently used programs and folders, such as My Documents, My Computer, Control Panel, etc.; the right column contains some links to other programs and folders, such as All Programs, Search, Help and Support, etc. You can click on any item to open it or hover over it to see more options.
You can also access the Control Panel by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on Control Panel. The Control Panel looks like this:
The Control Panel has several icons that represent different categories of settings, such as Display, Network Connections, User Accounts, etc. You can click on any icon to open its settings window and change its options. For example, you can change the resolution, color depth, and refresh rate of your monitor by clicking on Display and then clicking on Settings.
Using the applications and utilities
Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB comes with some applications and utilities that are essential for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, editing text files, drawing pictures, performing calculations, etc. Here are some of them:
Internet Explorer 6: This is the web browser that allows you to access websites on the internet. It is an old version of Internet Explorer that may not support some modern web standards and features. However, it is still compatible with most websites and has some useful features, such as Favorites, History, AutoComplete, etc. You can launch Internet Explorer 6 by clicking on its icon on the desktop or the Start menu.
Notepad: This is a simple text editor that allows you to create and edit plain text files. It is useful for writing notes, scripts, codes, etc. It has some basic features, such as Find, Replace, Word Wrap, etc. You can launch Notepad by clicking on its icon on the desktop or the Start menu.
Paint: This is a simple graphics editor that allows you to create and edit bitmap images. It is useful for drawing pictures, logos, icons, etc. It has some basic features, such as Brushes , Shapes, Colors, etc. You can launch Paint by clicking on its icon on the desktop or the Start menu.
Calculator: This is a simple calculator that allows you to perform basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also has some advanced features, such as Scientific, Standard, and Statistics modes. You can launch Calculator by clicking on its icon on the desktop or the Start menu.
Windows Media Player 9: This is a media player that allows you to play audio and video files. It supports various formats, such as MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, WMV, etc. It also has some features, such as Playlists, Visualizations, Equalizer, etc. You can launch Windows Media Player 9 by clicking on its icon on the desktop or the Start menu.
WinRAR: This is a file compression and extraction tool that allows you to create and open compressed files. It supports various formats, such as ZIP, RAR, 7Z, etc. It also has some features, such as Encryption, Password Protection, Splitting, etc. You can launch WinRAR by right-clicking on any compressed file and choosing WinRAR from the context menu.
These are some of the applications and utilities that are included in Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. However, you can also install other applications and utilities that you need or prefer, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, etc. Just make sure that they are compatible with Windows XP and do not require too much disk space or memory.
Updating and securing the operating system
Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB is an unofficial version of Windows XP that is not supported or updated by Microsoft anymore. This means that it may not have the latest security patches and bug fixes that are available for a standard Windows XP installation. This also means that it may not be able to activate Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA), which is a validation tool that verifies if your copy of Windows XP is genuine and legal.
However, this does not mean that you cannot update or secure your operating system. Here are some ways to do that:
Use Windows Update: Windows Update is a service that provides updates for Windows and other Microsoft products. You can use Windows Update to download and install the latest updates for Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. To do this, click on the Start button and then click on All Programs. Then, click on Windows Update and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to restart your computer after installing some updates.
Activate Windows Genuine Advantage: Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a validation tool that verifies if your copy of Windows XP is genuine and legal. If you pass the validation process, you can access some benefits and features from Microsoft, such as free downloads, updates, support, etc. To activate WGA on Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB, you need to download and install a patch called WGA Fix. This patch will modify some files in your system to make it pass the validation process. To use this patch, follow these steps:
Download the WGA Fix patch from this link.
Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
Run the WGA Fix.exe file as an administrator.
Click on Install WGA Fix button and wait for the process to complete.
Restart your computer when prompted.
Go to this link and click on Validate Now button.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the validation process.
Use Firewall and Anti-Virus: Firewall and Anti-Virus are security features that protect your computer from malicious attacks and threats from the internet or other sources. Firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer or network; Anti-Virus detects and removes viruses, worms, trojans, spyware , and other malware from your computer. Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB comes with a built-in Firewall and Anti-Virus that you can use to secure your operating system. To use them, follow these steps:
Click on the Start button and then click on Control Panel.
Click on Security Center icon.
Click on Windows Firewall link and make sure it is turned on. You can also adjust its settings, such as exceptions, notifications, etc.
Click on Windows Anti-Virus link and make sure it is turned on. You can also update its definitions, scan your computer, quarantine or remove infected files, etc.
These are some of the ways to update and secure your operating system. However, you should also be careful when browsing the web, downloading files, opening attachments, or using external devices, as they may contain viruses or malware that can harm your computer or compromise your privacy.
How to optimize Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB
Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB is designed to give you the best performance out of the operating system. However, you can still optimize it further by tweaking some settings and cleaning up some resources. Here are some ways to do that:
Tweaking the registry and system settings
The registry is a database that stores information and settings for the operating system, applications, and users. You can use the registry editor to tweak the performance and appearance of the operating system by changing some values or keys. However, be careful when editing the registry, as a wrong or invalid change can cause serious problems or errors. Always backup your registry before making any changes. To use the registry editor, follow these steps:
Click on the Start button and then click on Run.
Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to the key or value you want to change by expanding or collapsing the folders on the left pane.
Double-click on the value you want to change and enter a new value or data on the right pane.
Close the registry editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Here are some examples of registry tweaks that can improve the performance and appearance of Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB:
Disable Last Access Timestamp: This tweak disables the recording of the last access time of files and folders, which can speed up disk access and reduce disk fragmentation. To do this, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem and change the value of NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate from 0 to 1.
Disable Error Reporting: This tweak disables the sending of error reports to Microsoft when an application crashes or fails, which can save bandwidth and privacy. To do this, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PCHealth\ErrorReporting and change the value of DoReport from 1 to 0.
Disable Balloon Tips: This tweak disables the pop-up notifications that appear on the system tray, which can be annoying and distracting. To do this, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced and change the value of EnableBalloonTips from 1 to 0.
These are some examples of registry tweaks that can improve the performance and appearance of Windows XP Performance Edition 179 MB. However, there are many more tweaks that you can find online, such as this one. Just make sure that you understand what they do and how they affect your system before applying them.
Cleaning up the disk space and memory
Disk space and memory are two important resources that affect the performance of your operating system. Disk space is the amount of storage space available on your hard drive; memory is the amount of RAM available for your applications and processes. You can use some tools to clean up your disk space and memory by deleting unnecessary files, uninstalling unused programs, defragmenting your hard drive, etc. Here are some tools that you can use:
Disk Cleanup: This tool allows you to delete temporary files, internet cache files, recycle bin files, etc., that take up disk space and slow down your system. To use this tool, click on the Start button and then click on All Programs. Then, click on Accessories and then click on System Tools. Then, click on Disk Cleanup and select the drive you want to clean up. Then, check the boxes of the items you want to delete and click OK.
Disk Defragmenter: This tool allows you to rearrange the files on your hard drive to make them contiguous and improve the access speed and performance of your system. To use this tool, click on the Start button and then click on All Programs. Then, click on Accessories and then click on System Tools. Then, click on Disk Defragmenter and select the drive you want to defragment. Then, click on Analyze to see if you need to defragment the drive. If you do, click on Defragment to start the process.
CCleaner: This is a third-party tool that allows you to clean up your disk space and memory by deleting temporary files, internet cache files, recycle bin files, registry entries, etc., that take up disk space and slow down your system. It also allows you to uninstall programs, manage startup items, wipe free space, etc. To use this tool, download and install it from this link. Then, run it and select the items you want to clean up and click on Run Cleaner.
These are some tools that you can use to clean up your disk space and memory. However, you should also be careful not to delete or uninstall any files or programs that are essential for your system or applications. Always backup your data before cleaning up your disk space or memory.
Benchmarking and testing the performance
Be