Over a period of time, Windows XP tends to get clogged up with extra files and programs that can slow down your computer's performance and cause your computer to behave strangely or even stop working altogether. Here's how to keep Windows running smoothly.
Delete Unwanted Files and Programs
Windows Disk Cleanup Utility keeps your hard drive free of unneeded files and programs, frees disk space, and can even speed up PC performance.
1. Click Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Cleanup to start the utility.
2. Select the hard drive you want to clean from the pull-down menu and click OK.
3. It may take a while for Windows to scan the disk. When done, Windows displays the categories of files it deems suitable for deletion.
Delete Unwanted Files and Programs
Windows Disk Cleanup Utility keeps your hard drive free of unneeded files and programs, frees disk space, and can even speed up PC performance.
1. Click Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Cleanup to start the utility.
2. Select the hard drive you want to clean from the pull-down menu and click OK.
3. It may take a while for Windows to scan the disk. When done, Windows displays the categories of files it deems suitable for deletion.
Be patient. This box means Windows is analyzing the hard drive.
4. Click a category to see a description of the selected files to be deleted. If you want to see a list of the individual files in a category, click View Files.
4. Click a category to see a description of the selected files to be deleted. If you want to see a list of the individual files in a category, click View Files.
Pick a category and click View Files to see all the files and folders to be deleted.
5. Double-check to ensure you're not deleting any important files, especially those in the Recycle Bin.
Check the files and folders in each category before deleting, especially those in the Recycle Bin.
6. Click the More Options tab to remove even more files.
7. When you're ready, click OK to begin the cleanup process.
6. Click the More Options tab to remove even more files.
7. When you're ready, click OK to begin the cleanup process.
