Claire,
Here's a start, go to:
1.Start
2.Settings
3.Control Panel
4.Add/Remove Programs
Remove any programs that you no longer use. If you'll Highlight the Program
in question by clicking on it one time there is a "Click Here for Support
Information".
This should tell you some info on the Program. If you're not sure Don't
Delete them.
Tips on Cleaning up Windows Xp
Tips on cleaning up your computer: Windows Xp
How to clear out the Internet Files.
First right click on the Internet Explorer Icon, then click on properties.
Now click on Delete cookies then OK.
Now click on Delete files, now put a check in Delete all offline content.
Now click OK.
Now click on Clear History, then yes.
Now click ok to close out the Internet Properties.
How to clear out the TEMP folder.
Double left click on My Computer.
Double left click on "C" drive.
Now go to "tools" and select Folder options.
Now click on View and select "show hidden files and folders" under the
folder Hidden Files and Folders.
Click apply and then OK.
Double left click on the Documents and Settings folder.
Double left click on the main User's Folder. (example: John Doe)
Double left click on the Local Settings folder.
Double left click on the TEMP folder.
Now go to Edit, then select all and click on the delete button on the main
toolbar.
You should not delete any files newer than 3 days.
If you don't have a delete button on the toolbar then go to File and then
Delete.
Click on yes when asked if you want to send the items to the recycle bin.
How to clear out the Prefetch Folder.
Double left click My Computer.
Double left click on "C" drive.
Double left click on the Windows folder.
Double left click on the Prefetch folder.
Now click on Edit, then Select all.
Now click on delete or go to "File" then Delete.
I would do this about once a month.
Be sure to run Scandisk and Defrag REGULARLY ! Run Scandisk First. (ABOUT
ONCE A MONTH)
To run a ScanDisk on XP....
Double left Click My Computer.
Right click on "C" Drive.
Click Properties.
Click Tools.
To do a Scandisk Click check now.
Put a check in both boxes "Automatically Fix File System Errors" and "Scan
for and attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors".
Then click Start.
Now when asked "Do you want to Schedule this Disk Check to occur the next
time you Restart the Computer",
Click Yes.
Now Restart your Computer.
Also be sure to empty the Recycle Bin !
Hope this helps!
