DescentBB

Well I just switched to XP from 2000. Did a clean format then installed it so I should have no problems.

Apart from installing the latest service packs, critical updates, an AV and whatnot, is there anything you'd recommend (or insist) me to install?

And do any of you know of a good firewall?

Tweak UI is pretty useful for configuring various aspects of the GUI.

If I were you, I would be sure and set the system restore points on the XP in case you encounter any problems.
I have had some problems with the disk cleanup too.
I have used it, and then when I tried to run D3, it would nearly go blink on me, so I restored it and it worked fine.
Never did find out what caused it.

Disable messenger service.

Install a firewall, or at least enable the Internet Connection Firewall

Hey Simba

You could try ZoneAlarm for the firewall.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/c ... adb_zadown

And www.blkviper.com to see which services you want disabled.

Plus I would go over some of the tweaks that get xp running better.

http://www.tweakxp.com
http://www.tweak3d.net

Have Fun.

Messenger already disabled, thank god..

Thanks for the info

www.blackviper.com
You can find all sort of good tweaks and setttings here.

I try not to mess with things unless I know for sure that something is going to help me. So really the only thing I install is tweakui to speed up menus and remove some start menu icons, and that's essentially it.

As far as other things, the only thing I can recommend are external programs a la powerstrip, strokeit, some sort of ad-blocking software, etc.

Outpost is a real nice software firewall.

BlackViper does have good a good System Services section on what you can get rid of(You can get rid of a boat-load of useless services).

too bad you used up all that time formatting and installing. The 2K --> XP upgrade option is excellent. No issues whatsoever.

Convert to thje classic start menu and make sure you enable "Clear Type" font antialiasing.

Display Properties ---> Appearance --> Effects.

Select CLEAR TYPE in the font smoothing option.

Clear Type is the only reason anyone needs to switch to XP.

Obviously it is a good idea to try the XP default start menu out before you decide to go back to the old one, personally I prefer the XP start menu because it saves me the trouble of going through the programs list for the most common stuff I use that didnt end up in the shortcut bar.

-Krom

You know, as simple of a feature such as Clear Type is...it really is a nice one.

Oh yeah, its one of the first things I turn on, then I immedately visit: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cle ... %20&fsize=