Is there a way to force a process to start with realtime priority?

Question

Is there any way in Windows XP, either through reghack or a simple utility, to have a process start with a priority of "realtime" without having to go through task manager and manually adjust it each time I re-open the program?

I have a fairly old PC that I have hooked up to my PC, and the only way to get it to play video smoothly is to set my video player on realtime priority.

I'll also take suggestions for video players that are more efficient than Winamp 5 that can play as many different types of files.

Damn typos. The old PC is hooked up to my TV.

Answer 1

OK...I've been watching this topic since it was posted since I was curious. However, no one seems to have answered yes so I'll tell you how I've done it (not the best and requires...minor minor scripting knowledge).


Open the directory where you have your program is installed, e.g. Winamp. Create a New Text Document. Now open this text file & add the following lines.

echo off

start /priority winamp.exe

Replace priority with the desired CPU priority (realtime, high or abovenormal for best performance). Replace winamp.exe with the executable file for the program. Save the text file & close it.

Now click on Start, Settings, Control Panel. Open Folder Options, then the View tab. Untick the setting Hide file extension for known file types. & select Apply. You must rename the text file now & its file extension, most important being the file extension, rename it to playme.bat or something, most important is the .bat file extension. Once this change is made the icon for the file will change;

NOTE – Supposedly the file must be placed in the same Idirectory as the program for this to work.

In theory (if you haven't done to much to your computer) the code will look like this in the text file

echo off
start /realtime winamp.exe

Cheers....if you get confused....ummmm...email me I guess

OH! And as for Winamp replacements try www.videolan.org

Answer 2

No, you have to use the task-manager. Why would you wanna put a program on "realtime" anyway? It uses ALOT of CPU and BUS and Memory.