running slow

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

My computer loaded with xp home is running really slow and
taking ages to load,how do I defragment and also remove
any unwanted internet downloads.Please reply in simple
terms.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Denise wrote:
> My computer loaded with xp home is running really slow and
> taking ages to load,how do I defragment and also remove
> any unwanted internet downloads.Please reply in simple
> terms.

Empty the Recycle Bin.
Make sure your hard drive is no more than 80% full.
Uninstall any unneeded applications.
Delete the temporary internet cache from Internet Explorer.
Delete the files under c:\windows\prefetch.
Stop unnecessary applications from starting up. There are several ways
to do this, you should probably have a techie friend do it for you, as
you want things explained in 'simple terms', and I'm afraid that I don't
have time to go into that much detail. (You can try running msconfig,
it's better than nothing.)
Run a complete virus scan of your PC using current virus definitions.
Download, install, update and scan your PC with Ad-aware, spybot, and
spywareblaster.

That's a good start.

--
The reader should exercise normal caution and backup the Registry and
data files regularly, and especially before making any changes to their
PC, as well as performing regular virus and spyware scans. I am not
liable for problems or mishaps that occur from the reader using advice
posted here. No warranty, express or implied, is given with the posting
of this message.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Nathan McNulty wrote:
> A couple of notes on that. Open My Computer, right click on the C:
> Drive (and do this for all other drives you may have) and click
> Properties. Now click Disk Cleanup and check everything you don't need.
> This should clear up some space. Now go to the next tab and use the
> Disk Defragmenter.
>
> I would not delete the Prefetch folder as this folder actually helps
> with system performance most of the time.
>
> I do highly recommend Ad-Aware to clean up the computer as well as an
> antivirus. Try this:
> http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?pkgid=0
>
> ----
> Nathan McNulty
>
>

Actually, I suggested deleting the files in the prefetch folder; I
didn't suggest deleting the folder itself. You are correct that this
folder and its contents helps with system performance most of the time,
but since he is experiencing problems, it is ok to delete its contents.
The contents will be rebuilt piece by piece over time.

--
The reader should exercise normal caution and backup the Registry and
data files regularly, and especially before making any changes to their
PC, as well as performing regular virus and spyware scans. I am not
liable for problems or mishaps that occur from the reader using advice
posted here. No warranty, express or implied, is given with the posting
of this message.