Speed Up Windows XP
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Many of us suffer from slow computer performance. However, because most of the time no error message is displayed, we just don’t know how to fix the problem. In this article, we will investigate some of the common reasons why computer performance is slow and the causes of frequent system freezes. We will also have a look at some of the tasks that you can perform to prevent these problems from occurring on your computer.
Cluttered and Damaged Hard Disk
Unwanted program files, temporary Internet files, cookies, and other unwanted information clutter your hard disk and may even cause physical damage to it. As you continue to add/remove applications and files to your computer the number of these unwanted files increases on the hard disk. A cluttered and damaged hard disk considerably slows down your computer and deteriorates system performance.
Additionally, due to continuous addition and removal of information, related data blocks of files may get stored all over the hard disk, wherever vacant space is available. This fragments your files and slows down the system and can even cause physical damage to your hard disk because the read/write head of a hard disk has to move all over the disk to read your data.
To prevent these problems, you must regularly perform hard disk maintenance using tools such as Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter. Disk Cleanup makes it quite easy for you to compress old files, clean cookies and temporary Internet files, remove other unnecessary files from the system, and uninstall unwanted applications. Disk Defragmenter enables you to defrag the hard disk and make the files stored on it contiguous. Both of these tools, when used regularly, will enable you to maintain a healthy hard disk, thereby enabling you to speed up the performance of your Windows XP system.
Large and Corrupt Registry
Frequent install and uninstall of programs, Web browsing, and system configuration changes also affects the registry of your XP system. The registry is used by all Windows computers to store software and hardware-related configuration information. Over time, the registry gets filled up with loads of obsolete, redundant, and invalid information that add up to unnecessarily increase the size of the registry. This causes registry bloating. A bloated registry easily gets corrupted and fragmented and in turn, generates frequent system errors related to drivers, DLLs, ActiveX/COM controls, and so on. Additionally, a corrupt registry considerably slows down the performance of your PC.
Therefore, the second task to speed up your XP computer is to perform regular registry maintenance by scanning and removing unwanted information from it. You can easily perform registry maintenance with the help of registry cleaning tools. GUI-based, user friendly registry tools provide you with simple-to-use options that help you automatically scan and repair registry errors. You can also use these tools to defragment the registry and make the registry files contiguous.
Problems With Hardware Components
Hardware problems also considerably contribute to system problems. Defective memory, power supply, and overheating of hardware components are hidden killers of your PC. To prevent hardware problems:
- Ensure that all hardware installed on your computer is compatible with other components of the PC and your operating system.
- Install compatible and updated device drivers.
- Keep your PC dust-free—regularly open the box of the PC and blow away the dust from the components.
- Regularly use PC diagnostic software to monitor the functioning of hardware components and take appropriate action if you find a problem.
Note: While blowing dust from the PC, be sure to keep the blower away from internal PC components to prevent damage.
In addition to the steps mentioned above, many other preventive maintenance activities such as regular antivirus and antispyware scanning and regular security updates go a long way in helping you maintain a healthy and speedy Windows XP computer.