Speed Up Windows 95 on Legacy Systems

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

19980405: Speed Up Windows 95 on Legacy Systems

April/1998
Tech Note #5

I recently found that on some legacy systems with CD-ROM drives and Windows 95 installed, that general performance - particularly in Windows Explorer - could be speeded up vastly by disabling the CD-ROM auto-insert feature. This setting can be accessed via the System Control Panel (or My Computer ... Properties), under Device Manager. Double-click the CD-ROM device and clear the checkmark from auto-insert notification.

The potential for performance increase is not trivial, but this depends on the system. On one 486, the computer was essentially unusable until this setting was disabled (unless I left a CD-ROM in the drive all the time). Once disabled, the workstation performed as well as any 486 running Windows 95. On the other hand, changing this setting on a new Pentium workstation didn't seem to make a noticeable difference.

Nevertheless, my personal recommendation is to disable this setting. Even if it doesn't improve performance, it does eliminate the annoyance of a program starting up every time you change CDs! An alternative is always leaving a CD-ROM in the drive, but there are many situations in which this is not practical.

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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