Follow these steps to remove unneeded programs:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Scroll through the list and examine each program. Windows XP lists how often you use a program and what day you last started it. You shouldn't remove anything labeled as an Update or Hotfix.
4. Click each program you no longer need, click the Remove button, and then follow the prompts to uninstall it.
Note: You may have to restart your computer after removing a program. After your computer restarts, repeat the steps above to remove more programs.
Free Up Wasted Space
Another way to find wasted disk space is to use the Disk Cleanup tool by following these steps:
1. Open My Computer, right-click Local Disk, and then click Properties.
2. On the General tab, click the Disk Cleanup button. Disk Cleanup will spend a few minutes examining your disk.
3. The Disk Cleanup dialog box will open and you can make your selections.
4. Select the desired check boxes in the Files to Delete list, and then click OK.
5. If you have more than one hard disk, repeat this process for each hard disk listed in My Computer.
You can save yourself some time by automating the disk cleanup process. For more information, read the Microsoft Knowledge Basic article, How to Automate the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315246
Defragment Your Computer
1. Open My Computer, right-click Local Disk, and then click Properties.
2. On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now. The Disk Defragmenter opens.
3. Click your first hard disk, and then click Defragment.
4. If you have more than one hard disk, repeat this process for each hard disk listed starting at Step 3.
Disconnect Unused Network Connections
The problem with network drives is that Windows XP will attempt to connect to the network drives when Windows starts. If the remote computers don't respond immediately, Windows will wait for the connection.
To reduce this problem, disconnect any unused drives by following these steps:
1. Open My Computer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Disconnect Network Drive.
3. Select the network drives that you no longer need, and then click OK.
Remove Autostart Programs
The next step in restoring your computer's performance is to identify any unnecessary programs that start automatically.
To start Msconfig.exe:
1. Click Start, click Run, type Msconfig, and then press Enter.
2. On the Startup tab, you'll see a list of all the programs and processes that are set to run when Windows XP loads.
3. Speed up your overall start time by clearing the check box next to any item you think you don't need.
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4. Click Apply, and then restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Keep on top of Malware
Download Spybot - Search & Destroy and install it. Update it and run it regularly.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Keep your AntiVirus software up to date.
Keep us informed as to your progress if you require further assistance.
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