How to Tune up Your Windows XP PC

Edited byJack Herrick and 27 others

Article

EditDiscussHistory

Here are some expert step-by-step tips for tuning up, tweaking & optimizing your
personal computer running the Windows XP operating system.

EditSteps
1. 1
Run "Windows Update" regularly, or use the automatic "Critical Updates
Notification".

2. 2
Install anti-spyware software (Ad-aware, Spybot S&D & Spyware Doctor are
all good ones) and keep it updated. Spyware Blaster runs in the background
and stops spyware installing itself.There are many rogue anti spyware
applications out there make sure you select one with care. Read more about
such scareware applications : Wikipedia Scareware

3. 3
Run the anti-spyware program regularly to keep your PC clean.

4. 4
Install & regularly update your anti-virus software.

5. 5
Run the anti-virus program on a regular basis.
 6. 6
One option is to enable "Microsoft Firewall". However MS Firewall does not
control outgoing connections (ie. a virus/worm trying to 'phone home'). Download
and install ZoneAlarm - a free version is available.

7. 7
Make sure there's nothing in the Startup list. (Start Menu> All Programs>
startup) Unless there are programs in the list that you need to run when the
computer starts up, it should be empty.

8. 8
Uninstall unnecessary or rarely-used programs in "Add/Remove
Programs".

9. 9
Clean the Desktop icons you don't use. Put them in a folder (preferably not on
the desktop) if you are nervous about deleting them.

10. 10
Clear the Recent Documents & Programs list, on Taskbar & Start Menu
properties.

11. 11
Internet Explorer users:

o In "Temporary Internet Files", delete cookies, and delete files.

o In the "Advanced" tab, uncheck all "Install On Demand" items and
disable Javascript and VB Script listed under "Microsoft VM".
12. 12
In your "Windows" folder, manually delete files in the "Temp" folder.
 13. 13
Delete unused system tray programs.

14. 14
Remove startup programs with the MSConfig application (Start>Run>
"msconfig", OK).

15. 15
Run Windows Disk Cleanup. Do this at least twice a month. Make sure
'Recycle bin' is checked to periodically empty it.

16. 16
Run MS Disk Defragmenter. Do this at least once a month (Start Menu> All
Programs> Accessories> System Tools).

17. 17
Update your drivers for CPU, memory, video card and sound card, etc.
Download the driver updates from the manufacturer's web site.

EditTips
To change the mouse speed in Windows XP: (Start>Control
Panel>Mouse>Pointer Options tab). Move slider settings to two , three points
faster - this can increase the appearance of the mouse's pointer speed on your
screen. Make sure 'Enhance pointer precision' is disabled or mouse acceleration
will be present.
When you perform Disk Cleanup in the "More Options" tab, remove old
system restore points; this can clear about 2GB of disk space!
Your data will be easier to manage if it's organized and in one place. Your
"My Documents" folder can be very helpful for this.
Try to develop the discipline of editing your video files soon after taking
them, then immediately burn them to DVD backup and remove them from your
PC to save space on the hard drive.
If you use MS Outlook email service, delete your biggest and oldest
emails.
 When installing any Instant Messengers, be certain Run on startup isnt
selected by default. It's not necessary for the Messengers to open on every
startup. This will help the start-up load faster.
If you want faster internet performance, consider an alternative browser
such as Opera, Avant, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

EditWarnings
Clean at your own risk!
Just in case, make a backup of all of your documents you never want to
lose, before you start cleaning.
For disk and registry cleanup, learn to clean your registry (to be safe, use
Registry Mechanic, CCleaner and Regcleaner ).
In the "Windows" folder use caution your system files are on there and only
access the temp do this at your own risk.
Automatic all in one tools to do all the above jobs:

EditRelated wikiHows
How to Install Windows Using a CD
How to Remove Windows Messenger on Windows XP
How to Disable Windows Error Reporting
How to Get Rid of Programs Stuck on Windows Xp
How to Disable Simple File Sharing in Windows Xp Home Edition
How to Install the Recovery Console in Windows 2000 or XP
How to Start Windows in Safe Mode

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