Once again I seem to be a WinXP dummy

[vkaryl]

I want to set up a separate "account" (don't know what else to call it - may not be the right "name") so that I can start WinXP SP1 WITHOUT the stuff I normally have going, so that my games run better. This used to be simple, in previous versions of windows.

The only thing I can find is the User settings, but those while allowing me to log on as a "different" user, still load all of the same services, programs, etc. I want to be a "different" user, and NOT load all of the same stuff. "Hardware Profiles" also does not give me the functionality I used to have with this in Win95 and Win98.

Anyone know what I'm missing here? A search of the MS Knowledge Base turned up some articles on Users (already know that won't work), and some articless I couldn't make look like what I'd searched for...

[CaseyRyan]

Here's a Knowledge Base Article [microsoft.com] on how to add a user in windows xp.

If you've done this and it still loads a bunch of crap (same crap you have with your normal user), then its because when you installed said crap, it was installed to run for every user on the computer and not just for your everyday account.. this means all current and future accounts.

A way to fix the above problem is while being logged in as your normal everyday user, manually copy the registry keys from:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
into:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

You will also want to move the shortcuts that exist in this directory:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
to the directory corresponding to your normal everyday user startup directory. (just replace "All Users" in the directory above with your user name.

-=casey=-

[vkaryl]

Well.... I don't load "crap". I load what I need to run for my everyday life in my business. The "crap" I weeded out eons ago.... I've been running windows since 3.0, after starting out with an 8086 with nothing but DOS in 1984....

So apparently I missed the "for all users" etc. when setting up vanilla XPPro for the first time. Didn't think about that one.

Thanks. I'm going to be formatting/reinstalling soon, to set up linux partitions/dual boot and a plain-vanilla linux box to run various bits n pieces. I'll make sure I take your advice into account....

[XtendScott]

If I understand right, you are looking to do is to have a "game optimized" system logon.

[blackviper.com...]
This is a link to XP services that can be disabled such as (fax services, web server, Themes, ect).

What I believe works, I don't use it myself, is to create a 2nd "hardware profile".

right-click My Computer > Properties > Hardware [hardware profiles]
A little more info here: [pcstats.com...]

Second or "optimized" profile is selected at bootup. Select the profile you want optimized and you can turn off services you don't want on.

My understanding is that this is the way it is done, but have not used it. Hope this helps.

XtendScott

[vkaryl]

Ah ha! Never having used hardware profiles before, and taking a friend's advice about same (due to not having a lot of time to spend searching for info right now, as well as being LESS than thrilled with the win knowledge base setup), I simply didn't realize what you actually COULD do with it.

Thanks XtendScott. That link will help me immensely....

[XtendScott]

Glad to help, let us know the results.

XtendScott

[XtendScott]

I looked a bit more into it and a Hardware Profile needs a little help to remember which services are enabled or disabled.

This explaines better how to save services settings with Hardware Profiles.
[blackviper.com...]

XtendScott

[vkaryl]

Wow. Thanks again.... wonder why I never ran across BV before? Obviously need a class in asking the right questions/using the right search terms!