Go to Control Panel-Programs and Features and remove all the useless programs.  Examples are:  games that is not part of windows; manufacturer update programs; trial period anti-virus; trial period word processing; demo software; and things that are just stupid.  While there notice if Java and Actobat Reader is installed or if it needs to be later.  Restart the computer when completed.

Turn off Alert.  Go to Control Panel - Security Center  - "Change the way security center alerts me" - and select "Don't notify me and don't show the icon"

Turn off UAC.  Go to User Account - "Turn user control on or off" - and remove the check from the box.  The UAC is a baby-sitter assuming you are to stupid to make decisions on how to use your own computer.

In the run command dialog box enter NETPLWIZ command and make yourself a true administrator and leave or uncheck the box regarding forcing of using passwords on users to enter system or not.

When all is completed and you are totally pleased (if you use Vista Ultimate or Business) then run a complete backup.

Create important icons on the desktop.  On My Computer, right click and select Show on Desktop.  On My Documents, right click and select Send To then select Desktop (Create a Shortcut).  Left click the IE Explorer and drag it to the desktop and release to create a short cut there.

In run dialog box type MSCONFIG and verify those entries to remain in the Start Up tab.

Right click the toolbar and unlock the toolbar.  Right click toolbar and add Quick launch.

Right click the Sidebar icon in the tool tray, select to close, and tell it not to start with windows.

Hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard and use your scroll button on the mouse to adjust the size of the icons to your preference.

Right click the desktop, go to Personalize, select the Color & Appearance, then move the Transparency to the far left (highest contrast) or set to your preference.  NOTE:  Vista Basic does not have this option.

Check Device Manager and verify all drivers are functioning and that the system appears pleased with itself.  Fix those that have issues.  Once you are done use a program such as Driver Magician to archive a set of your working drivers. 

Skip Remote Settings & System Protection

Under "Advance System Settings":

Uncheck Performance Items for Animates, Slides, Fades and Smoothes.

At Advanced System Setting set the Start & Recover to 1 second unless you don't mind waiting.

In Windows Update you can change your setting on how to get or be notified.  (Not Recommended, if this was XP it would be)

In Performance:

Under Advanced Tools "Turn off Disk Defragment" by removing the check from the box.

Adjust Power to High Performance and change plan to Never.

Verify at the bottom that windows has been activated.

Set to Classic Mode

Under "Windows Features" select your preferences such as games being visible on the programs listings.

Select Administrative Tools, then Services.  Go down the list until you find (alphabetical order) Windows Defender.  Right click and select properties, then disable.  Do not forget to remove it from the Start Up tab of the command MSCONFIG.  Restart of windows is recommended.  I, like many, do not like defender (your choice).

Select AutoPlay and set your preferences.

Change IE search default to add Google, delete choices other than Google.

Set history setting to 3

Remove Proxy if checked.

On Advanced tab -- at bottom -- turn off phishing

Set your start page to http://www.google.com  or your preference (use a full URL address here)

Under Tools add the Menu Bar if not already there.

Check your Manage Add-Ons to verify no stupid things are running when IE starts.

AVG -- Anti-Virus.

Ad-Aware -- Removes advertiser data miners and cleans cookies.

SpyBot S&D -- Removes hacker tools.

SpyWare Blaster -- Web site security wall.

Site Advisor -- Web sites are rated for threat to warn you.

Free Surfer -- Pop-up blocker.

Threat Fire - Top level windows security program.

FireFox -- Safer internet browsing and an alternative to IE.   (Go to bottom of this page to click)

Firewall -- Windows already has a firewall that is great for most users.