MagicTweak

MagicTweak is a simple-to-use program that enables you to tweak some Windows settings, in accordance with your preferences. It can be handled even by users with limited experience in software tools.

After a brief and uneventful setup procedure, it is recommended to create backups at startup, in case the operating system starts popping up error afterward. You can make copies of the System.ini, Win.ini, Msdos.sys, Boot.ini, Config.sys, Autoexec.bat files and Windows Registry, as well as include custom ones in the list.

The application integrates numerous customization options which are organized by type, namely Explorer, System Icon, Folder Icon, System Folder, Security, Network, Internet Explorer, Restrict-App, Hide Menus, and Start Menu, aside from the Backup/Restore module that we have already talked about.

You can show the Windows version on the desktop, hide tray items from the taskbar, launch folder windows in a separate process, force Windows to unload DLLs from memory, disable the desktop cleanup wizard, and turn off auto-expanding trees in Explorer.

You can change system icons to multiple components (e.g. default document, removable disk) and deactivate desktop shortcut arrows, assign icons to individual folders, display the Windows system folder location, as well as change restrictions and/or security measures for Windows (e.g. disable Active Desktop and the default context menu, hide the computer management option, clean all recent documents on logoff).

Optimizing Internet connection speed is done with the help of the maximum transmission unit size, Windows TCP/IP window size, black hole detection mode and MTU automatic discovery, among others. You can remove the Outlook Express splash screen and disable attachment execution, restrict users from running specific applications, as well as hide items from the Start menu (“Programs” and “Favorites” sections), desktop, quick launch bar and context menu ("Send to", "Add new"). There are plenty of other options waiting to be discovered by users.

MagicTweak has a minimal impact on the system resources, using a light amount of CPU and RAM. It has a good response time and applies the new changes immediately and without error. The tool did not hang or crash during our tests. Too bad that MagicTweak has not been updated for a while, since it should please all users, thanks to its wide array of Windows tweaking settings.