Well, what I am going to tell u is a scenario we all would’ve faced at some point of time.
U bought a brand new top of the line computer that works like a breeze for a couple of days or weeks. Then u detect something. Its getting * slower * and * slower *!. Well, it wasn’t supposed to, was it?
Now don’t pick up the phone to call support! There’s nothing wrong with your box.
The reason why most computers become sloppy after a couple of months has nothing to do with the computer. It’s the user who’s responsible.
One thing we all do(definitely me) after getting the box is to install applications. We run the installer and keep on clicking next, till the installer finishes. It’s nobody’s fault(except windows’)that the default installation folder resides on the same drive as the windows OS. This can cause considerable performance problems for windows.
So lemme outline some tips for getting some performance boost on your Xp BOX
First of all you need to increase the swap file size( a swap file is just like a RAM which resides on the hard disk)
Right Click on My Computer icon(not the shortcut) on the desktop(if u don’ have the my computer icon on the desktop, dont panic! Start -> Right Click on My Computer And click on Show on Desktop)
After you right click do
Properties -> Advanced -> Performance -> Settings -> Advanced -> Virtual Memory -> Change
Do the following changes
Click on any of the drives and Select Custom Size.
Now increase the Initial size to 128, Maximum Size to 256 or more. Be careful not to give maximum size more than what is available on the drive.
Click ok and restart the computer. U will most definitely find the performance increase.
A few more tips
Installing Programs
When installing new programs, install them into a drive that is not having the OS( normally c:). So during the installation procedure change the installation folder(ie C:\program files\) to D(or any other drive):\program files\. This will help your system drive from getting cluttered.
Defragmenting Drives
Windows operating system has another problem when it comes to storing files. Its called fragmentation, ie the parts of a file are not stored continuously, but at many places. This causes a great performance impairment.
To defragment your drive do the following
My computer -> Right click on the drive you wan want to defragment-> Properties -> Tools -> Defragment Now -> Defragment.
Repeat this for all drives( Note: You can defragement the drives only one at a time)
Also have a good antivirus( Try AVG free) and run it every other day. Also keep it updated.
Well thats all for now. Tell me if this helped. Also if u find I am wrong somewhere lemme know.