 | Optimize Windows XP
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As most of our readers use Windows XP, we have put together a guide specifically aimed at optimizing this operating system.
We challenge you to grab a cup of coffee and work through these optimizations. By the end of this article we guarantee your computer will run faster and crash less.
Prerequisite: A Windows XP computer that is free of adware, spyware, and viruses. (To scan for viruses and adware / spyware, use the Recommended Tools on the left)
Optimization Step 1 - Go Through our Bootup Guide
Work through the FixTool bootup guide. This establishes a great platform for further optimization. Particular attention should be given to using the msconfig utility to reduce applications that load on startup.
Optimization Step 2 - Run Windows Update
Install all possible updates for your computer.
Windows Update
http://update.microsoft.com
Optimization Step 3 - Disable Indexing Service
Unless you constantly search your computer for files and folders, you really don’t need to have the indexing service running.
Disable this service by going to My Computer and (for each hard drive listed) click Properties. Uncheck the box Allow Indexing Service... and select Apply changes to subfolders and files. If you encounter any errors click the Ignore All button. Remember to do this for each drive.
Optimization Step 4 - Uninstall Unneeded Programs
Go to Add and Remove Programs (via the Control Panel) and remove applications that you never use, are outdated, or don’t work anymore.
Optimization Step 5 - Work Through our Free Up Disk Space Guide
Freeing up disk space will aid defragmentation and, depending on the amount of memory, can make your computer run faster.
Optimization Step 6 - Defragment your Hard Drive(s)
Right click on your main hard drive in My Computer and (left) click Properties. Click the Tools tab and click on the Defragment Now button. When a new window pops open, click the Defragment button when it is available.
Tip: close all other applications before doing this and pick a time when you don’t need to use your computer. Significant use of your computer can cause the defragmentation process to continually start over.