Over time, Windows XP may begin to respond more slowly and feel sluggish. There are certain maintenance tasks that can be used to minimize this problem. This document shows tips and tricks.
Many reasons can cause slow response, such as:
1. Windows needs more time to start a program .
2. It takes longer to open a folder using Windows browser.
3. The system takes longer to start.
There are many possibilities for causing this problem. The tips given here can better maintain your Windows XP.
Perform the following tasks regularly to keep your Windows XP running smoothly:
Remove prefetch files.
When Windows starts, Windows loads a list of all programs into memory. These lists are saved in so-called read-ahead files. Use the following steps to delete prefetch files:
1. Click Start and Run.
2. Type C:\WINDOWS\PREFETCH, click OK.
3. Press CTRL+A to select all files.
4. Press the DEL or DELETE key to delete all selected files and click OK.
Uninstall unused software.
It is good practice to delete software that you no longer use. Many processes running in the background can slow down the operating system. Uninstall a program:
1. Click Start, Control Panel, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
2. In the list of currently installed programs, select the program you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.
3. If you are prompted to confirm the removal of the program, click Yes.
Disk Cleanup.
Disk Cleaner helps you delete temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. To use Disk Cleanup, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Cleanup.
2. The disk cleanup program may take a while to start. Select only the following options in the main menu:
Temporary Internet Files
Recycle Bin
Temporary Files
3. Click OK to start the disk Clean up.
Disk defragmentation.
After you use your computer for weeks or months, the information stored on your hard drive is spread throughout the hard drive. Use disk defragmentation to improve system performance. To defragment the disk, please follow the steps below:
1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Defragment the Disk.
2. In Disk Defragmentation, select the drive you want to defragment and click Defragment.