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!

Steps:

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 at least weekly.
   • If you do not have tools installed to protect against malware, spyware, and viruses, download a free copy of AVG's Anti-Virus and/or Anti-Spyware software (free for personal use, and being discontinued in early 2009). Also, Microsoft's Windows Defender is a widely-used anti-spyware tool that is currently distributed freely for users with a "Genuine" copy of Windows. Windows Defender is also included with other Microsoft services and products such as Live OneCare and Vista.
   • Download and install Mozilla Firefox from http://www.mozilla.com. 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".
   • If you have a particularly difficult infection, try using the Quick Virus Remover. It is a free utility that is not a replacement for commercial products, but can be helpful for removing some of the most common viruses.
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.
   • Run msconfig
   • Choose startup box
   • Select uncheck programs you don't want to run on startup

   • OR

   • 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.comfor 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.

Tips:

• If this is your first defrag, do it after the disk clean up twice, then a disk defrag, and then another disk clean up.
• For best results, run defragmenter last after performing all other steps.
• Do all the above steps quite often to maintain the speed of your PC.
• Run an alternate Windows shell to save on RAM usage and boost performance (Shell Shocked: Alternative shells for Windows). Although more expensive, installing additional RAM is a better option. Running an alternate shell is a compatibility risk as many proprietary Microsoft programs, such as their latest game or Visual Studio, may not function properly on a third-party shell.
• Although time-intensive, a re-partition and re-format of the hard disk drive, along with a clean installation of Windows XP will improve performance. Performing this task will remove all of your existing data, so a back-up or file copy is recommended first. Only save the files you created, as you will need to reinstall each application on the new installation of Windows. If you did not change the default location when saving documents, it may be safe to copy only the user folder and all files and folders within it (ie: "C:\Documents and Settings\(your user name)"). Typically, most users will need to be sure to copy these files:
  
  
  • Documents created using applications such as Microsoft Word or similar office suite programs
  • Bookmarks/Favorites from your Internet browser
  • Fonts installed that are not included by default with Windows (note that some fonts are installed by applications).
  • E-mail in-box and folders if you use an e-mail client that does not use an Internet browser
  • Any schedule data for programs such as Outlook
  • Financial records for programs such as Quicken
• Optimize the registry either manually or with a third-party application. Many of these registry tweaking programs are available on the Internet, including commercial applications that are released as free trials. If you are not familiar with the registry, do not edit it manually -- the registry is vital to Windows' operation.

Warnings:

• Always create a restore point before uninstalling software, even better before you start any step.
• Be careful when using msconfig. Do not uncheck unfamiliar items, and do not experiment with settings in any other tab. Doing so could prevent your Windows install from booting!