MusicXP.net - Tuning Windows XP for Audio/Music Applications

Remove Items

One of the features that XP doesn't offer that Windows 98SE did, is the ability to customise the installation process by selecting/removing only the components that you require (Accessories, System Tools, Multimedia, etc.).

Windows XP doesn't offer you this flexibility during the installation process, and so any Windows XP components that are not required will need to be removed after the installation has completed.

You won't gain any system performance by removing unused components, although you will steal back some disc space and "trim down" your XP environment by removing programs that you just don't use.

Normally, to do this you would go to the "Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel and select "Add/Remove Windows Components". This process scans your system and shows you what you have installed so that you can deselect/delete the programs that you don't need.

There is a slight problem, in that Windows XP "hides" certain components so that they can't be seen on the list and subsequently, can't be removed.

However, there is a very simple way to make these reappear so that they can be removed.

Use Notepad to edit the sysoc.inf file in the Windows/Inf folder. Do a search and replace for the word "hide" (leave match case unticked), replacing hide with nothing. Save the file.

TIP : If you can't see the "inf" folder, then in explorer make sure you click the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" option. Explorer > Tools > Folder Options > View.

Go back to "Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel and select "Add/Remove Windows Components". Components that couldn't be seen before can now be viewed and removed. You will notice that Windows Messenger can now be removed, which can be a resource hog.

Reboot after removing components to take effect.

Typical components that can be removed are (there may be others depending on your requirements):

Accesibility Options
Indexing service
Update Root Certificates
Windows Automatic Updates
Windows Messenger
Games
Desktop Wallpaper
Explorer (Unless you use the audio PC for surfing of course)
Communications
MSN Explorer

Home About XP Installing XP Tuning Tips Hardware Tips Services Remove Items Useful Tools Redundant Tips Useful Links "...a brilliant, detailed and quality website. I am enjoying music on my PC!" - Paal Froy Super-fast broadband	Remove Items One of the features that XP doesn't offer that Windows 98SE did, is the ability to customise the installation process by selecting/removing only the components that you require (Accessories, System Tools, Multimedia, etc.). Windows XP doesn't offer you this flexibility during the installation process, and so any Windows XP components that are not required will need to be removed after the installation has completed. You won't gain any system performance by removing unused components, although you will steal back some disc space and "trim down" your XP environment by removing programs that you just don't use. Normally, to do this you would go to the "Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel and select "Add/Remove Windows Components". This process scans your system and shows you what you have installed so that you can deselect/delete the programs that you don't need. There is a slight problem, in that Windows XP "hides" certain components so that they can't be seen on the list and subsequently, can't be removed. However, there is a very simple way to make these reappear so that they can be removed. Use Notepad to edit the sysoc.inf file in the Windows/Inf folder. Do a search and replace for the word "hide" (leave match case unticked), replacing hide with nothing. Save the file. TIP : If you can't see the "inf" folder, then in explorer make sure you click the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" option. Explorer > Tools > Folder Options > View. Go back to "Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel and select "Add/Remove Windows Components". Components that couldn't be seen before can now be viewed and removed. You will notice that Windows Messenger can now be removed, which can be a resource hog. Reboot after removing components to take effect. Typical components that can be removed are (there may be others depending on your requirements): Accesibility Options Indexing service Update Root Certificates Windows Automatic Updates Windows Messenger Games Desktop Wallpaper Explorer (Unless you use the audio PC for surfing of course) Communications MSN Explorer
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