If not properly maintained, the performance of all Windows XP systems will eventually degrade. To counteract this slow-down, scheduling a computer shop visit isn't your only option; you can correct performance issues yourself. Save money and squeeze more speed out of Windows XP!1. Remove Spyware and Viruses- Spyware and viruses are a leading cause of computer slowing. See this article to learn how to remove them.
- Update and run your spyware and virus software weekly.
- If you do not have tools installed to protect against malware, spyware, and viruses, download a free (Yet the anti-virus is still proprietary) copy of AVG's Anti-Virus and/or Anti-Spyware software (free for personal use). Also, Microsoft's Windows Defender is a widely-used anti-spyware tool that is currently distributed freely (But it is still proprietary software) for users with a "Genuine" copy of Windows. Windows Defender will be included with other Microsoft services and products such as Live and Vista.
- Download and install Mozilla Firefox. It will allow you to import all of your Internet Explorer settings, and is much less prone to malware than Microsoft Internet Explorer. It will prompt you with a "Set as Default Browser" message. Check "Don't show this again" and click "Yes".
2. Defragment Your Computer - This will place similar files physically closer on the hard disk to improve load speeds.- Click start, again, then click run.
- Type, "dfrg.msc" in the text field.
- Click Defrag to start it.
3. Perform a disk clean up.- Click start in the bottom left corner, then click run.
- Type, "cleanmgr.exe" in the text field.
- Press "okay". This can take a while if you have never done it before.
4. Remove unwanted software.- Click start, then click control panel.
- Click add/remove programs.
- Highlight any old software you do not use and then click "remove".
5. Stop unwanted Start-Up programs.- Click here and download StartUpCPL.
- Install the software you have just downloaded.
- Open control panel, select Start up.
- Disable any programs you do not want load automatically.
- Disable Services you do not use or need. Open control panel, open Administrative Tools, and select Services. Disabling the wrong Services may lead to serious problems that you may not notice right away. Please consult a reference such as overclockersclub.com for information on specific Windows XP Services.
6. Make Windows load faster- Click Start, then Run.
- Type in 'msconfig' and press enter.
- Click on the BOOT.INI tab at the top.
- Over to the right there will be a box labeled Timeout with 30 in it. Change the 30 to a 3.
7. Speed Up Processing Time- Turning off the fancy Windows XP graphics will noticeably increase the speed of your computer.
- Go to Start, (Settings), Control Panel, System. NOTE: You may need to 'Switch to Classic Mode' to see the System applet.
- Go to the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button under Performance.
- Select the 'Adjust for best performance' radio button, then Apply, and OK.
- The graphics aren't as flashy, but your computer will run a lot faster.
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