subject: How to Clean Up XP: Quick Fixes for the Average Computer User [print this page] How to Clean Up XP: Quick Fixes for the Average Computer User
Occasionally, everyone will need to clean up XP. During the process of everyday usage, Windows XP accumulates a lot of junk. This stuff takes up valuable computer space and slows down your computer. After just a month of regular computer usage, all Windows computers will start to slow down. To speed your computer back up, you will need to clean out all the junk files.
Windows Disk Cleanup Tool
Microsoft knew you would have problems with junk cluttering up your computer. Therefore, they provided a free disk cleanup utility tool for their computers. To gain access to this tool in Windows XP, click start and type in "Cleanmgr" and it will pop up.
If you prefer, you can:
Click Start
Select All Programs
Select Accessories
Select System Tools
Disk cleanup is a straightforward tool and easy to use. Just check the box next to the items you wish to delete and press ok. However, it will take a few minutes to open and delete.
Delete the Temp Files
All the users on the computer will have their own set of temp files. In Windows XP:
Click Start
Click My Computer
Double Click the "Local Disk (C:)"
Double Click WINDOWS folder
Double Click Temp folder
Click Edit -> Select All
Press Delete
Any files that are in use will stop the deletion. If this occurs, individually select the files and delete them one at a time.
Delete the Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files (Cache)
Internet Explorer stores web pages this folder so your computer can load up frequently visited web sites faster. However, this folder can get quite full and dramatically slow down your computer. To delete these files:
Open Internet Explorer
Click Tools
Select Internet Options
Under the General Tab, Click the Delete button n the Browsing History section
Check the boxes that you wish to delete and press Delete
You can also keep this folder clean by choosing an option to delete them at the end of every Internet Explorer section:
Open Internet Explorer
Click Tools
Select Internet Options
Select the Advanced tab
Towards the bottom check "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed"
Click Apply
Empty the Recycle Bin
When you delete anything, it goes into the Recycle Bin. It stays here until you either use Disk Cleanup to remove the files or you empty it by hand. Most people forget about the recycle bin and many files accumulate, which slows down your computer.
To empty the recycle bin manually:
Right Click Recycle Bin
Click Empty Recycle Bin
PC Cleaner Software
Along with a bunch of clutter, tiny little registry errors occur on your computer all the time. These errors build up and slow your computer down to a crawl. The easiest way to fix these errors is with pc cleaner software, aka registry cleaner. Run a registry cleaner once a week for optimal PC performance.
