subject: How to Clean Up XP after Installing Service Pack 3 [print this page] How to Clean Up XP after Installing Service Pack 3
Even though XP is considered one of the most stable platforms available, there are occasions when you need to clean up XP. One of those occasions is after installing Service Pack 3, which we will discuss here. However, the techniques are applicable at any point.
Before Installing Service Pack 3
If you want to have a good experience with SP3, then you need to do four things first.
Check the hard-disk space - You will need anywhere from 1,100MB to 1,765 MB of free space available to install SP3. Most people will need 1,500MB.
Check Installed Updates -
a.Windows Service Pack 3 cannot be installed in you have:
i.Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit
ii.Remote Desktop Connection 6.0 MUI pack
b.If you have the updates, then you need to remove them by:i.Click Start -> Runii.Type "appwiz.cpl"iii.Click Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit or Remote Desktop Connectioniv.Click RemoveCheck your wireless network adapter - You need to make sure your wireless adapter supports SP3.Disable your antivirus softwareCleaning up XP After InstallationService Pack 3 is a big update and you will need to clean up your computer afterwards to get it back to running fast and smooth. You will need to:Delete the Folder - If you downloaded Service Pack 3, your computer will have a large folder in downloads. To delete this folder:a.Click Start -> My Documents -> Double Click Download -> Delete all foldersRun Disk Cleanup - Disk Cleanup will rid your computer of all the unnecessary files. To access Disk Cleanup:a.Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk CleanupRun Defrag - After installing the service pack, your hard drive will be badly fragmented. Running the disk defragmenter will get everything back in order again. To access Disk Defrag:a.Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk DefragmenterCleaning up the RegistryAnytime you install or uninstall programs on your computer, the registry has to make and delete registry keys. After a large installation like SP3, it is not unusual to have multiple errors and missing or deleted registry keys. To resolve this problem, the easiest thing to do is run a registry cleaner.Registry cleaners will scan your registry for missing, deleted and corrupted registry keys. It then makes all of the necessary repairs, which brings your computer back up to speed. This should be done on at least a weekly basis to keep everything running smoothly.Keeping Windows XP clean and running smoothly takes a few minutes once a week. If you want your computer to run at its fastest on a consistent basis, then you will want to delete your downloads, run disk cleanup, run disk defragmenter, and run a registry cleaner once a week. It only takes a few minutes, but it will speed up your computer more than you would think. http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/how-to-clean-up-xp-after-installing-service-pack-3-2614489.html
