How to Tune up Your Windows XP PC

Edited by Jack Herrick, Syndi B, Cem, Ben Rubenstein and 28 others

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

Edit Steps

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:
    • In "Temporary Internet Files", delete cookies, and delete files.
      
      
      
    • 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.
    
    
    

Edit Video

Edit Tips

• 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 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.
• 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 installing any Instant Messengers, be certain “Run on startup” isn’t 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.

Edit Warnings

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