Hello Nocturnal (is ben a long time ;-) )
You can clear prefetch files by going to Start menu and Run and typing
prefetch, and then click OK.
Prefetch files are there to help programs load/open quicker but they will be
replaced in prefetch when they are used agªin.
This folder may accumulate useless junk, especially if you change your
configuration a lºt. There's no harm in emptying it. Simply delete all the
files in that folder; Windows will rebuild it as needed
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Gaining-Speed-Empty-Prefetch-XP.html
Open a Internet window and go to Internet Options, Delete Cookies and Temp
Files and included all offline content then also go to Start and Run and type
%temp% and clear that fºlder.
Enable Hidden Files and folder's.
To enable hidden files and folders Go to taskbar, click Start > My Computer.
On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
On the View tab, uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types.
Make sure that 'Show hidden files and folders' is enabled.
Display the contents of system folders' is checked & 'Hide extentions for
known file types ' is not checked then press ªpply.
You can set this back later by opening the same page and pressing 'restore
defaults' then pressing ªpply,
HOW TO Enable Hidden Files:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2002092715262339
Empty your IE cache and your other temporary file folders, eg: c:\temp,
c:\windows\temp or C:\Documents and Settings\<name>\Local Settings\Temp (the
path to your temp folder will change depending on your name) - sometimes
programmes can be hidden in there - watch out for mysterious *.exe files or
*.dll files in those fºlders.
and c:\Documents and Settings\username\local settings\Temporary Internet
Files\Content.IE5 and delete all the files in those directories and
subdirectºries).
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm
Run CHKDSK /R
Defrag
Good luck
