Here is a simple checklist I use when I have just installed Windows, in order to make it feel right (to me). These are based on Windows 7, but most should definitely work on older versions as well.
- adjust ClearType fonts
- mouse wheel set to skip 8 lines rather than the default of 3
- disable stickykeys (accessibility option)
- reduce icon sizes to smallest
- reduce taskbar icon sizes to smallest
- disable grouping of tasks on taskbar
- disable window minimize/maximize effects
- disable menu open/close effects
- opt to always show file extensions
- set keyboard to short repeat delay and fast repeat rate
- set the sound scheme to No Sounds