Improve PC performance- Simple Tips (Win XP)

Improve PC Performance

Over time, computers get slower because files become disorganized and resources are consumed by unnecessary software. Microsoft Windows XP includes tools to clean up your computer and restore its performance.

Before you do anything, back up your computer.

Remove unused programs

First, remove programs you don't use anymore. Programs take up space on your computer, and some run in the background without your knowledge. Removing programs you don't use can help restore your computer's performance.

Install and run antispyware software

Most programs can be removed using the Add or Remove Programs function accessible from Control Panel, but spyware programs are more stubborn. Windows Defender (a free download from Microsoft) or another antispyware program can detect and remove these programs. You should always have an antispyware program installed, because spyware might install itself on your computer without your knowledge. After you install the antispyware program, run it to detect and remove any unwanted programs. 

PC safety scan from Windows Live OneCare.  

Download Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Free up wasted space

Removing unused programs is a great way to free up disk space, which will speed up your computer. Another way to find wasted disk space is to use the Disk Cleanup tool.

Use Disk Cleanup to:

• Remove temporary Internet files.(Start->Run->'temp',Start->Run->'%temp%'-without quotes)
• Delete downloaded program files, such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets.
• Empty the Recycle Bin.
• Remove Windows temporary files, such as error reports.
• Delete optional Windows components that you don't use.
• Delete installed programs that you no longer use.
• Remove unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore.

Defragment your hard disk drive

When a file is fragmented, it takes longer for the computer to read it because it has to skip to different sections of the hard disk drive. Defragmentation improves your computer's performance by reorganizing your files. While fragmentation looks complicated, it's easy to defragment your computer.

When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals (weekly is optimal), there are other times you should run it, too, such as when:

• You add a large number of files.
• Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
• You install new programs or a new version of the Windows operating system.

 ( Path: Start-> Programs-> Accessories-> System tools-> Disk Defragmenter)

Disconnect unused network connections

The problem with network drives is that Windows XP will attempt to connect to the network drive when it starts up. If the remote computer does not respond immediately, Windows XP will wait, which will slow down your startup time. Additionally, some programs will attempt to connect to the network drive when you browse for files and folders. To reduce the problem, you can disconnect any unused drives.