There is no need to invest in a new operating system if you know how to speed up Windows XP. It can be frustrating when your computer is slow and you cannot accomplish what you need to get done. However, the cause of a slow computer is often not the result of one big problem, but several small issues that together slow down how your OS functions. Taking care of these issues doesn’t take too long once you know what to look for. Take a deep breath and let’s see how to speed up windows XP without calling IT 911.
How To Speed Up Windows XP
Start by eliminating programs that automatically run at start-up. It will take some time to track down these programs because they are often located in different places. Some are in the start-up folder, while others are in registry settings or log-on scripts. Start with the start-up folder. Delete all shortcuts for programs you do not need to have running as soon as you turn your computer starts. When you click on the icon for the program only the shortcut has been deleted, not the program itself. It is best to remove programs one at time to make sure you are not deleting important system files.
When trying to figure out how to speed up Windows XP it also helps to look at how your computer shuts down. One reason for this is because XP clears the paging file during shutdown for security reasons. The paging file temporarily stores data and files. This information is usually automatically cleared during the shutdown process. If security is a top priority, you may not want to prevent your computer from clearing the paging file. You will need to run the registry editor and change the value under “session manager/memory management clear page file at shutdown” to 0.
How to speed up Windows XP also involves regular disc clean up and defragmentation or defrag. Disc cleanup is really just as simple as choosing the disc clean up option from the control panel. Disc cleanup frees up space by removing temporary files, deleting program files that have already been downloaded, emptying the recycle bin, deleting installed programs no longer in use, removing error reports and other temporary files and removing shadow copies of system restore and restore points no longer in use. Sometimes files are stored in parts in different locations. This is known as fragmentation. Disk defragmenter will put these files back together, meaning it takes your computer less time to find these files.
How To Speed Up Windows XP – Conclusion
Other tips on how to speed up Windows XP include checking for disc errors by running the error checking utility. The more you use your hard drive, the more “bad sectors” that may develop. Running a check finds file system errors and alerts you if certain necessary files or folders are missing or misplaced. If you use XP on a regular basis, it is best to scan for disc errors at least once a week. You will also want to remove spyware, which collects information without your knowledge. There are several programs that will help remove spyware. The answer for how to speed up Windows XP is right in front of you if you just take some time to eliminate useless programs and files, perform regular disc cleanup and search for spyware on a regular basis.
