Give XP a good clean

[elrasho]

Ive noticed XP is starting to take longer when launching apps and doing other minor tasks. Are there any programs out there that can clean XP so it performs like it does on a fresh install?

 

[Tyguy]

Best thing to do is going through your HD and delete anything you dont need. Then go to add/remove programs and delete anything in THERE you dont need. Then open up task manager and see if you notice any processes that are useless and delete them from the registry.

Also, a build up of dust can lead to a slow down, make sure you clean the inside well.

 

[giant384]

cleaning the registry can help loads.

 

[OmegaX]

Use the defrag tool.

 

[The Brick]

Defragging helps a LOT performance wise if you haven't done it in a while. Then there's a nifty tool called CrapCleaner (www.ccleaner.com), which deletes a lot of unnecessary crap. Deleting files doesn't speed up your pc at all, all it does it free diskspace. Removing programs that normally launch at startup does help, as does shutting down unnecessary programs in msconfig (start > run > "msconfig" > last tab).

If you want a really good and fast defragging tool, PM me.

 

[Raziaar]

When I look forward to fresh install performance, I freshly reformat my drive. I do it around four times a year.

I'm hardcore.

 

[Stonewall]

Disable bloatware from background processes and from the startup using msconfig.

Run Ccleaner to remove temp files and other junk (browser cache etc) to make some room for the defrag,

Defrag the drive normally, and then also defrag the MFT and paging file with a boot-time defrag. Defragging regularly is good to preserve system performance. My defragger is automatic, so it defrags in the background during idle if fragmentation has built up. Quite convenient, and easier than scheduling or manually running defrags for my 4 drives.

After the defrag, you can also run a malware scan and virus scan just to be on the safe side.

I usually install XP once every 15-18 months which coincides with my hardware upgrade cycle. In the meantime, with diligent maintenance, my XP install runs as smoothly as a fresh install.

 

[elrasho]

shame you gotta do all that just to get XP running like it should

 

[99.vikram]

shame you gotta do all that just to get XP running like it should

Sometimes I wish we had an alternative OS that didn't come in a locked box (Mac) or suck at gaming (Linux). THAT would be a real Windows killer.

 

[elrasho]

too true. MAC work well at what they do and Linux is OK (havent really used it). But Windows is mainstream and MS should realise that the less hassle with wondows the better. I want the hassle free of a MAC, the robustness of Windows (maybe Vista is the key... time will tell)

 

[Stigmata]

The progressive bloatedness of Windows is a direct result of making the operating system hassle-free.

 

[StardogChampion]

I don't defrag that often. This hard disk has lasted 4 years or so without any problems or noticable slowdown. The only time I defrag is maybe 2/3 times a year using something like UltimateDefrag which moves your most-used files closer to each other too.

Defragging so often (once a week), ironically, may increase the strain on your HD

 

[Pesmerga]

tweakxp.com

 

[Link]

My pc cleaning regime:
msconfig - uncheck all uneeded start up programs and services. (Check the "hide MS services" box
AV scan
adware/spyware scan
defrag