Easy Hints To Improving Windows Xp Slow Performance
People often complain that their computer doesn't work as fast as it used to
. Sometimes this is a hardware problem, but it's usually the software. Like any operating system, Windows XP will probably begin to perform more slowly over time. There are a number of reasons this might happen. Some problems are easy to fix, but others are more serious.
First you should determine the severity of your problem. If Windows XP is performing very slowly, is unable to run programs correctly, or is crashing frequently, backup your files. To do this, click the Start button, then select All Programs, then Accessories, System Tools, and finally Backup. It's good to have a backup in case the problem gets worse and prevents you from making a backup later. The time this takes is a minor inconvenience compared to losing all that data.
A quick way to improve Windows XP slow performance is to remove unnecessary programs. You can do this by clicking Start, then Control Panel, then Add or Remove Programs. You will see a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Click on any programs you know you don't need, and then click Change/Remove. There will be an uninstall wizard to guide you through the short process.
If you have been using your computer for months or years without uninstalling any programs, doing so might help. Just make sure you don't delete any programs that you still use. To be safe, if you don't know what a program does, don't touch it. Do some research first. It might be something you didn't know you need.
Spyware and viruses can be trickier to deal with. They tend to sneak in unnoticed, and it's often hard to tell if you have any. Anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are a big help. You can download free or trial versions of the software, but to get full protection you need to pay. It's usually worth it, though, as you can't be completely safe with just a firewall.
Startup programs are a common cause of slow performance, and one that inexperienced users often overlook. When you start Windows XP, some programs may automatically run. To see a list of these programs, click Start, then Run, and type "msconfig". You will see a window labeled System Configuration Utility. Click the Startup tab to see the list of programs. If you see a program you don't want to automatically run when you start Windows, uncheck the box next to it. Remember not to uncheck anything you don't recognize.
Defragmenting your hard drive is a good way to clear up space. A lot of slow performance problems are due to the data on your drive becoming cluttered and unorganized. To access this function, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, then System Tools, and select Disk Defragmenter. The process will probably take several hours, but doing this periodically will make Windows XP run more smoothly.
If after trying these solutions you still experience Windows XP slow performance, you might have a more obscure or more serious problem. It could mean you have a harmful virus. If you haven't already, this is a good time to make a backup. You might need to reformat your hard drive or buy a new computer. However, that's only necessary if things get really bad.
by: Jason Allen.
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