The TweakGuides Tweaking Companion (TGTC) is the complete system optimization guide for Windows users. Designed for novice and advanced users alike, it is written in plain English to help you genuinely understand all aspects of Windows and your PC. The guide covers every major topic, from the correct installation of Windows and critical drivers and software, through to recommendations for every significant setting and feature, all the major performance and convenience tweaks and customizations, as well as detailed troubleshooting advice. There are also links to a range of reliable free applications for optimizing and maintaining your system, as well as to important resources for finding out even more about Windows and your PC.
Regular vs. Deluxe Edition: The Regular Edition of the TGTC is completely free and can be downloaded further below. I've released the free version because the information in it can help a lot of people, and I feel it would be petty of me to force people to pay for it. However literally hundreds of hours of my spare time have gone into compiling and maintaining these guides, and continue to do so. Please consider purchasing the enhanced Deluxe Edition of the TGTC, which comes in PDF or hardcopy book form. It has a range of additional features which make it much easier to use. Please show your support for my work and ensure that I can continue to maintain these guides.
 To download the free Regular Edition of the TGTC for Windows Vista click the button:
Filename: TGTC_Vista_2.2.zip Version: 2.2 Last Updated: 2 October 2008 Size: 2.7MB Cost: Free |
 To download the free Regular Edition of the TGTC for Windows XP click the button:
Filename: TGTC_XP_4.2.zip Version: 4.2 Last Updated: 2 October 2008 Size: 1.9MB Cost: Free |
Usage Instructions
Once downloaded, first extract the PDF file from the .zip archive using a utility like WinZip or the free 7-Zip, then use the free Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader software to read it - I recommend Adobe Reader 9 for the best results. Note: If using an Adobe Reader prior to version 5.0 you will get an error message. The files above are guaranteed not to be corrupt or contain any malware, so any issues you have opening or viewing them are specific to your system. The best solution is to update or reinstall your archival or PDF reader software, or try the alternative software. Also disable any download managers when attempting to download the file.
Copying or Hosting the TGTC
No-one is allowed to host or reproduce these guides or portions of their contents without my explicit written permission, and that includes translations. The reasons for this, and the things which are permissable are detailed here. I take this very seriously, so please respect my rights as an author. I have poured hundreds of hours into compiling these guides, and they are always available right here for free, so there is no excuse to host them or copy their contents anywhere else for your own gain.
Problems and Tech Support
I cannot provide any technical support, customized advice, purchasing recommendations, or other forms of personal support for the reasons detailed here. Please do not email me for this purpose as without exception I will not reply to such emails. The TweakGuides Tweaking Companion and the rest of the guides on this site are presented 'as is' and have more than enough information and links to additional resources to help you to help yourself.
If you are having problems such as downloading or printing the file Email Me, but be sure to read the instructions on this page carefully first. The TGTC .zip files and the PDF documents have been checked and rechecked and are guaranteed 100% virus and error free at all times.
Version History
The full version history listing all changes made in the past is on the last page of the Regular Edition of the TGTC. Below are the changes made to the most recent version of each guide. Note that the Regular and Deluxe Editions have all been updated with exactly the same changes, and at the same time, however the page numbers below refer to the Regular Edition:
TGTC for Vista 2.2:
All pages - Fixed any dead or inaccurate hyperlinks.
All pages - Fixed some typographical/grammatical errors.
pp.23,259 - Updated advice for Sandra 2009.
pp.31 - Added ShadowExplorer link.
pp.56-57 - Revised 64-bit advice.
pp.77-78 - Updated & expanded Incorrect Folder Views section.
pp.84 - Added ASUS Audio Drivers link.
pp.96-97 - Expanded Customizing UAC section.
pp.97 - Added UAC and the Language Bar section.
pp.106 - Added Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection section.
pp.108-110 - Updated AVG Free Edition 8.0 advice.
pp.203 - Added Google Chrome link.
pp.218 - Added VLC link.
pp.222 - Added Windows Photo Gallery section.
TGTC for XP 4.2:
All pages - Fixed any dead or inaccurate hyperlinks.
All pages - Fixed any typographical/grammatical errors.
pp.19,174,176 - Updated advice for Sandra 2009.
pp.46 - Added ASUS Audio Drivers link.
pp.50-51 - Updated AVG Free Edition 8.0 advice.
pp.142 - Added Google Chrome link.
pp.154 - Added VLC link.
Enjoy the Guide!
Koroush Ghazi
Owner/Author