Paul's Windows Desktop Settings

Here are my personal settings for Windows XP desktop, start menu and task bar:

• Desktop: right-click, Arrange Icons By -> Auto Arrange.
• Desktop: right-click, Properties.
  • Tab: Desktop; Background: None; Color: Black. Customize Desktop: Desktop icons: My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places. Uncheck Desktop Cleanup Wizard.
  • Tab: Screen Saver; Screen saver: My Pictures Slideshow.
• Start->Control Panel->Appearance and Themes->Taskbar and Start Menu
  • Show Quick Launch
  • Start Menu Customize; Small Icons; Number of Programs 0; Uncheck E-mail.
  • Tab: Advanced; Uncheck Highlight newly installed programs; Start menu items: Don't Display: My Computer, My Documents, My Music, My Pictures, Set Program Access and Defaults. Check System Adminstration Tools on the All Programs Menu.
  • Uncheck: List my most recently opened documents
• Start Menu: right-click top 5-10 programs I use and right-click then Pin to Start Menu. Then right-click to Sort by Name.
• Remove any extra software that came with your PC.
• Remove any extra menus etc that software installed, e.g., AOL IM.

See also the Dell De-Crapifier.

Back to Paul's Windows XP Setup Page.