Set your laptop to performace rather than looks (right click in/on Computer, then hit Properties, then look to the left and click Adavanced System Settings, under performance hit settings, there you can set it up for Performance) [desktop will look like you have Windows 2K installed but the performance will be improved] While you are there you can go to the advanced option and set how much V-Ram you have (don't go over the top though, you should be able to have as much v-ram as actual ram though)
Take as much as possible off of the start up, especially any on screen widgits
While you play make sure no other programs are running except essential, you may even want to disable antivirus software (make sure you re-enable it before going online though)
You can upgrade Ram thankfully on most laptops aswell, but this may not help it get much faster if at all
Software video plugins will run faster but don't look as nice though the HQ2X filter does make it look very nice
Please ignore skullpoker.... not the most helpfull user on these boards
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