Windows XP: Recommended Computer Settings

Latest update: 2008 January 02

DEP

Turn on DEP.

  1. System Properties
  2. Advanced
  3. Performance
  4. Settings
  5. Data Execution Prevention
  6. Select: Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select
DEP

UnPlug n' Pray

Download and run Steve Gibson's UnPlug n' Pray.

http://www.grc.com/unpnp/unpnp.htm

UnPlug n' Pray

Wireless Networks

Access point (infrastructure) networks only and do not automatically connect to non-preferred networks.

  1. Wireless Network Connection Properties
  2. Wireless Networks
  3. Advanced
    • Select: Access point (infrastructure) networks only
    • Uncheck: Automatically connect to non-preferred networks
Wireless Networks

Windows Messenger

Uninstall Windows Messenger (not MSN Messenger) or disable access to this program.

  1. Control Panel
  2. Add or Remove Programs
  3. Add/Remove Windows Components
  4. Uncheck: Windows Messenger
Windows Messenger

Or

  1. Set Programs Access and Defaults
  2. Custom
  3. Choose a default instant messaging program
  4. Windows Messenger
  5. Uncheck: Enable access to this program

MSN Explorer

Uninstall MSN Explorer.

  1. Control Panel
  2. Add or Remove Programs
  3. Add/Remove Windows Components
  4. Uncheck: MSN Explorer
MSN Explorer

System Restore

Turn off System Restore.

  1. System Properties
  2. System Restore
  3. Check: Turn off System Restore
System Restore

Firefox

Download and install Firefox (make it the default browser).

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/