These steps should be repeated from time to time to ensure that your computer continues running well.
Step 1
Delete old programs: get some of that unused space back.
In Windows XP go to start -> control panel -> add/remove programs.
Highlight any program that you do not use and click REMOVE.
Step 2
Get rid of adware and spyware: these two parasites threaten your privacy, expose you to unwanted advertisements and most importantly, slow down your computer. Free programs such as Spybot S&D and AdAware make it easy to remove adware and spyware. Simply install these programs, update them, run a scan and remove the intruders!
Step 3
Clean your start up files. These are files that run automatically as soon as you boot up your computer. Many of them are unneeded and are only taking up space! Besides removing spyware, Spybot S&D can also help you clean your start up files. With Spybot S&D running click the "tools" button on the left. Then click "system startup" on the left. Uncheck any entries that are highlighted in red, as they may be malicious files. Uncheck any entries of any color that are unwanted. Your computer will speed up as soon as you restart your computer!
Step 4
Clean your registry. Easy Cleaner is a program that can help you accomplish this. Make a backup of your registry before deleting registry entries.
Step 5
Clean your junk and temporary files. You might be surprised at how many junk and temporary files your computer is storing! Programs such as CCleaner can help you delete these files quickly and easily.
Step 6
Defrag your hard drive. Over time, files become misplaced and this can slow down your computer. Defragging puts files where they belong! In Windows XP, go to windows explorer and right click your hard drive. Scroll down and select properties. Click the tab named tools, and then click defragment now. Finally, select your hard drive and click defragment. Let your computer do the rest!
Step 7
Reboot your computer, and fulfill your need for speed!
