Windows

DirectX has a built-in test and diagnostics program.

From the run box on the start menu, run dxdiag
This will walk you through a series of tests.

You should close all active programs first.

I would also check for an updated video driver and install it before running DXdiag.

Under XP, it is a bit harder to save some program settings.
For IE, start by maximizing and minimizing a page a few times.
With the page maximized, click on File, Exit.
If you do this for each IE startup link, you should end up opening in maximized mode.

As to disk clean-up, I am from the old school, I manually clean up what I want to.
To automate the process a bit more, start by opening IE.
Click on tools, internet options.
On the General page, in the Temporary Internet files section, click on the delete files button.

Next, XP has a built-in file cleanup tool.
Go to Accessories, System Tools.
Click on Disk Cleanup.

That said, if I want to double check that I have a clean drive, I use System Suite from V-Com.

http://www.v-com.com/product/ss_ind.html

Both the registry fixer and drive cleanup tools are very good.
In addition, there are numerous tools to check system performance.

CAUTION: I have seen several drive cleaner programs delete required files when a program uses what is supposed to be a temporary file extension for required files.

Chas

www.drhardware.de

Tried alll the suggestions that your told me about getting rid of the red cross in the white box in a webpage.

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