In this page, rather than looking at a load of tips that we can use to fix Windows XP, we look at a strategy that will hopefully solve your problems with Windows XP and provide you with a general strategy for keeping it up and running smoothly.

From broken programs to random error messages, many of the problems in Windows XP are caused by a few problems.

Before calling out for your local PC repair person, make sure that you have followed this step-by-step guide outlined below to see if you can’t patch up your PC problems before parting with your hard earned wonga.

To get more helpful information like this take a look at Problems With Windows XP

Follow this guide for a happier, healthier PC experience.

1. Make sure Windows Update is updating your machine regularly.

Windows Update sometimes has a bad reputation for providing fixes that can cause more issues. This however, is countered by the benefit that it provides. I would definitely have it updating your computer regularly. In Control Panel, click System and make sure that under Automatic Updates, “Turn of Automatic Updates” isn’t selected.

2. Remove any malware, spyware or adware

Responsible for an enormous amount of errors on our computers,
spyware and adware tracks and monitors our online behaviour. Often poorly implemented, these nasty little apps can wreak havoc and problems with Windows XP and are the root of many problems way beyond their intended purpose. To resolve these errors install a good spyware/adware/malware remover. I review a good product on my site that guarantees 100% removal.

3. Make sure that clean up your hard disk

Temporary Internet files, files in your recycle bin, old software that you no longer use all add up to jam your hard disk, which can, in turn, affect the performance of your PC can cause problems with Windows XP. Emptying out your recycle bin and deleting any temporary Internet files is a good place to begin. If you haven’t done this try Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup and delete the files you don’t need!

If you can, make sure that you have at least fifteen percent of your hard disk free. This is so that you can defragment your hard disk (described below).

For tips on keeping your PC and registry in good shape, have a look at Windows Registry Repaired

4. Clean out unwanted applications

It’s why we have Windows, to run programs. However, installing many applications may cause our PCs to slow down and/or cause applications to conflict with one another. Periodically cleansing any unwanted applications can reduce performance problems and keep your PC ticking along smoothly.

You can uninstall unwanted applications using Add or Remove programs from Control Panel (Start -> Run and type control panel).

5. Sort out the registry

Problems in the registry are great at creating major problems with Windows XP. But here there be dragons! Manually cleaning the registry is not something that you should consider unless you are an expert and know exactly what you’re doing. A far easier and safer method is to find yourself a good registry cleaner (I recommend a good registry cleaner on my site), and give your registry a purge your registry of its woes. One of the advantages with these products is that all the best ones will also have the additional tools necessary to perform the other things I recommend in this article.

6. Time to do some hard disk defragmenting

To utilize disk space more effectively Windows splits files across your hard drive. This increasingly happens as your disk fills allowing it to become fragmented. Piecing these bits of files together takes time and adversely affects performance of your PC. To sort this issue you can defragment your Computer using the native Windows defragmentation tool.

In order to defragment your hard disk:

i. Select Control Panel (Start -> Run, type Control Panel)

ii. Choose Administrative Tools

iii. Select Computer Management

iv. Under Storage select Disk Defragment and click on Defragment

This is a great method to ensure that your hard drive is working efficiently.

Hopefully this short article has given you a good introduction to the approach you can take to resolve problems with your Windows XP installation. Following this process periodically, should extend the life of your Windows installation (and reduce your frustration).

For more ideas on speeding up your computer try PC Performance Improvements

Olan Butler – Technology Specialist – Computer Services