Question to processor definition in Windows XP Boot.ini Advanced Options

I have an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (not sure the name is 100 percent correct) and would like to know if performance is improved, if I change the number of processors to two in Windows XP boot.ini under Advanced Options > /NUMPROC =.
 

Question Info

Last updated July 5, 2018 Views 2,206 Applies to:

Hi Abi8220,

 

/numproc=number switch sets the number of processors that Windows will run at startup.

 

With this switch, you can force a multiprocessor system to use only the quantity of processors (number) that you specify. This switch can help you troubleshoot performance problems and defective CPUs.

 

Note: These switches apply to Microsoft Windows XP, unless otherwise specified. It is suggested to backup the Boot.ini file before editing.

 

To add the /Numproc switch, you may refer the below steps:

Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK.

Click the BOOT.INI tab.

Click Advanced Options.

Click to select the /NUMPROC= check box, and then click 1 in the /NUMPROC= box.

Click OK two times, and then restart the computer.

 

You may refer the below links: Available switch options for the Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 Boot.ini files:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/833721

 

How to edit the Boot.ini file in Windows XP:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022

 

Regards:

Samhrutha G S - Microsoft Support.

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Thanks for the quick reply. Will it improve performance if I change the number of processors from BLANK to two? I assume the Intel Dual Core 2 processor means I have two processors available?

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Thanks for the quick reply. Will it improve performance if I change the number of processors from BLANK to two? I assume the Intel Dual Core 2 processor means I have two processors available?


A dual coreprocessor is different from a multi-processor system. In the multi-processor system there are two separate CPUs with their own resources. In the dualcore processor, resources are shared and the cores reside on the same chip. A multi-processor system is faster than a system with a dual coreprocessor, while a dualcore system is faster than a single-core system, all else being equal.

 

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Thanks for the detailed reply. I have an Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU - it that a multi-processor or a dualcore?

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