Delete unnecessary functions and programs in Vista

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Wussten Sie, dass Sie Windows Vista mit einem gut versteckten Einstellungsfenster um unnötige Funktionen erleichtern können? Windows-Tweaks zeigt, wie’s geht! [Sandro Villinger]

For the first time since the Windows 9x/Me era, Windows Vista offers an uninstall function for many included programs and services. This saves hard disk space and resources! And this is how you remove those Windows programs that you no longer need:

  1. Click on "Start" and then click on "System control". Hier geht’s weiter mit einem Klick auf "Programs" and "Programs" . In the left-hand area of the window that now appears, click on "Switching Windows functions on and off". Confirm with a mouse click on "Continue".

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  2. The window with the list of all functions that you can deactivate or remove in Windows Vista will now appear:

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  3. In the following explanation, we refer to the functions that are activated in "Windows Vista Ultimate Edition". This would initially be "Printing services". Here you will only find the installed "Internet print client", which allows you to print via the Internet. This does not restrict the functionality of your printer in any way, which is why you can deactivate this function in most cases.

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  4. Now click on the "+" to open the entry "Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0". Here you will find the "XPS Viewer". If you do not use the XPS format (which is similar to the PDF standard), you can uninstall this viewer. Owners of a conventional desktop PC or notebook cannot do anything with "Optional Tablet PC components" either, which is why we also recommend uninstalling it here.

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  5. The function "Remote differential compression" is only required by network administrators. This collects, compresses and transfers the differences between two files on the network. You can save a lot of storage space by using the "Games" (e.g. Mahjong, Inkball, Purble Place).
  6. You can use the component "Windows DFS replication service" should also be deactivated in most cases. This service ensures that selected files are kept synchronized between several PCs. If you do not use a fax machine or scanner, you can deactivate "Windows fax and scan" completely deactivate it. If you do not work with your colleagues in the network, you can deactivate "Windows teamwork" also" delete.

Now confirm with "OK" and then restart your PC. Your computer is now a little cleaner and freed from unnecessary functions!

Sincerely,
Yours, Sandro Villinger

By Sandro Villinger

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in the 90s. His helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (back then this is what Sandro looked like). He then went on to write elsewhere, such as for PC-Praxis, Computer Bild and PCWorld in the USA. Microsoft also poached him from us. Now Sandro is back, finally sharing his tweaks here again. For a stress-free digital everyday life. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.