Windows7:Hardening

First Things First

• Install Google Chrome.
• Install Security Essentials.

Remove Windows Bloat

• Open the Start-Menu and select Control Panel.
• Click View by: and select Large icons.
• Open Programs and Features.
• In the left panel click Turn Windows features on or off.
• Deselect Games / Internet Explorer 8 / Media Features / Tablet PC Components / Windows Gadget Platform / Windows Search / XPS Services / XPS Viewer.
• Click OK to save settings and reboot to make changes.

Update Windows / Drivers

• Run Windows Update to install the latest Windows patches.
• Install all proper drivers for your hardware.

Power Profile

• Open the Start-Menu and select Control Panel.
• Open Power Options.
• Select the High Performance plan and click change plan settings.
• Click Change advanced power settings.
• Navigate to Hard disk > Turn off hard disk after and change it to Never.
• Click OK to save changes.

Speed Up Boot Time

• WINKEY + R to bring up the run dialog.
• Run msconfig to open the system configuration.
• Navigate to the Boot tab.
• Make sure No GUI boot is checked.
• Set the Timeout to 3 seconds.
• Click Apply and then OK to save the changes. Confirm the Restart.

Modify Services

• Black Viper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations
  I typically follow the column entitled "Safe" and then peruse through the "Tweaked" column to see if there is anything else I can squeeze out. I also modify the following:
  — NVIDIA Display Driver Service: Disabled
  — Superfetch: Disabled

Folder Settings

• WINKEY + E to open a new windows explorer window.
• Navigate the menu to Tools > Folder options....
  Pressing ALT will bring up the menu if it is not visible.
• Click on the View tab.
• Make sure Hide extensions for known file types is unchecked.
• Make sure Launch folder windows in a separate process is checked.
• Make sure Use Sharing Wizard (Recommended) is unchecked.
• Click Apply and then OK to save and exit.

Video Playback

• Install AC3Filter Full x64.
• Install ffdshow x64.
• Install Media Player Classic x64.

Enable GodMode

• Right-click the Desktop and select New > Folder.
• Name the folder God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Custom Themes

• Install UxStyle.
• Choose a theme from DeviantART such as Shine 2.0

External Links

• HashCheck Shell Extension
• MediaInfo
• Ram Disk Temp Directory
• Logon Background