I want my computer to work faster on XP

[talha_moota]

I have an Intel Celeron(P) 325 2.56-GHz, with a 40-GHz hard drive, 248
MB of RAM (8 MB is diverted to video memory) system. I've had it for
over two years and it's outdated now. I can't afford a new computer or
any major upgrades. I want my computer to work faster. I use Windows
XP.

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

I have an Intel Celeron(P) 325 2.56-GHz, with a 40-GHz hard drive, 248

MB of RAM (8 MB is diverted to video memory) system. I've had it for
over two years and it's outdated now. I can't afford a new computer or
any major upgrades. I want my computer to work faster. I use Windows
XP.

Windows XP service pack 3 will be available via microsoft.com download
next week (29th) so that should give you a bit of a boost on your old
computer.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Erwin Moller]

(e-mail address removed) schreef:

I have an Intel Celeron(P) 325 2.56-GHz, with a 40-GHz hard drive, 248
MB of RAM (8 MB is diverted to video memory) system. I've had it for
over two years and it's outdated now. I can't afford a new computer or
any major upgrades. I want my computer to work faster. I use Windows
XP.

Hi,

Increasing your memory will surely make your computer faster.
Try 500MB or 1G.
However, maybe you need to search a little to find the right
memorymodules because that is old too.
Just go to a local computershop and ask them if they can find extra
memory, and what it costs.

Reinstalling your OS also can help.
I reinstall every 2-3 years or so, but it depends on how you use your
computer. If you installed/uninstalled a lot of questionable software
from the net, chances are a fresh install helps a lot.

As a last resort, turn off your antivirussoftware. I have a comparable
machine, and it is only usable if I disable McAfee antivirus. Of course,
disabling antivirussoftware is dangerous, and you should enable it again
if you install new software (or even surf the net in case you use
Internet Exploder.)

Good luck.

Regards,
Erwin Moller

 

[R. McCarty]

Faster in what way ? - Opening applications, web browsing....

A Celeron is limited, and under a multi-tasking load will have a
slow(er) response. Depending on what applications you have
on the PC you'll experience some performance loss.

You basically need a Clean and Tune-Up. Chkdsk & Defrag
on the disk drive. Review and modify the Startups & Watchdog
applets. Update the primary device drivers ( Video, Nic/Sound).
Make sure your applications are up to date with patches/updates.
Run alternate security on-line scans to ensure the PC is free of
Malware.

 

[Ron Badour]

Increase your ram to at least 512 mb and at today's prices, you can probably
afford 1 gb.
******
Cut back on the number of programs starting at boot by checking the programs
for an option not to load. You might have to double click an icon in the
tray (others might require a right click) and then look for preferences or
options. If you cannot find an option, look for and remove the program
from the start up folder on the start menu or the registry run keys (use
regedit.exe):


1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion­\Run
2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\­Run
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion­\RunOnce
4. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\­RunOnce
5. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion­\RunServices
6.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion­\RunServicesOnce
7.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion­\RunOnce\Setup

If tinkering in the registry is not your thing, you can use msconfig.exe,
startup tab, to disable programs; however, by doing so, you may lessen its
value as a troubleshooting tool. There might be some double entries in
msconfig--be careful not to disable parts of your anti virus program for
example. My personal rule of thumb is that if a program is not used every
time I start a computer session, I do not load it at boot--I start those
programs when I have need for them.

If you disable an entry in msconfig or remove it from the start up point and
the program loads again after a reboot, that is an indication that you
missed an option on the program itself. If you don't know what an entry is,
use google.com or check here:
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm
***

Defrag your hard drive.
***********

If you have not done so, run scans with spyware software such as SpyBot.
*************
If you do not have much room remaining on your hard drive, uninstall unused
programs and get rid of files that are not needed (i.e., check your temp
folders).

 

[Big Al]

I have an Intel Celeron(P) 325 2.56-GHz, with a 40-GHz hard drive, 248
MB of RAM (8 MB is diverted to video memory) system. I've had it for
over two years and it's outdated now. I can't afford a new computer or
any major upgrades. I want my computer to work faster. I use Windows
XP.

There are a lot of startup utilities that allow the average user to
disable those startup programs. Like Adobe updater, or nero cd check
etc. I turn about 20% of them off.
Look at Crap Cleaner.
I also like and bought Tuneup Utilities 2008. Not sure what the trial
version will or won't do, but it has a very good cleanup program,
startup toolbox, and defrag. Along with a utility to suggest
performance suggestions.
Also in your my computer properties there is a performance settings on
the advanced tab. You can turn off everything for speed. I don't like
it but I had an old 500mhz laptop once and I agree, you have to do
something.
But as already said, a fresh reload will help a lot. And be honest, do
you really need the full version of Microsoft Office? (just an
example!) When I last reloaded, I don't write documents so I just
didn't load the suite. IMHO, I think office is a huge drag on
performance. Also if you wait till SP3, you can slipstream the SP into
your CD (google slipstream) and the hard drive space you'll save could
be huge. If you have to reload, I'd give it a few days (as it seems to
be) and do SP3.