RekaTech
Reka on Windows XP@www.RekaTech.co.uk©

The Registry is like an index for your you operating system (XP), telling the computer what hardware and software you have installed and the settings and permissions. It is not recommended for amateurs to manually delve into the registry as any errors made in here can be fatal. Over time the registry gradually collects more and more information and settings. When items are deleted/uninstalled/updated on your PC, remnants are normally left behind in the registry. These can lead to errors and conflicts an XP not performing efficiently or as you would expect. Windows XP does not contain an inbuilt registry cleaner but you can get third party software to do this. I have personally had problems with several registry cleaner products. However, TuneUpUtilities is excellent and i have tested is repeatedly on numerous PC's and XP installs with no problems.The only Registry Cleaner I recommend is in TuneUpUtilities2009, which is available on a 30 day trial. Although, Desktop Maestro is rapidly becoming my first choice as it appears to be more thorough but the trial programme is limited!

Registry Cleaners basically scan the registry for errors and correct them, leading to a healthier and more stable PC. 3 clicks and its done!  

 

This is arguably one of the most important tasks to speed up and improve PC performance. When XP loads, numerous other applications are also set to load and run in the background. Whilst some of the items that load are essential or recommended (eg.Fire wall/Anti virus) the majority are not needed. These items that are not needed can dramatically slow your PC down, as they use memory and system resources needed for the things you actually want the PC for. XP allows users to manually select what items are automatically loaded as Windows XP starts. The majority of people are amazed at how fast there computer loads after doing this. To proceed go to:

Start>Run then type msconfig

click enter. When msconfig loads there are several tabs at the top of the box, the one you need is "Startup", so click that. In front of you is a list of all the items that are set to run automatically at startup. On the left hand side you will see boxes with ticks in. To stop any item from running, just un tick the box. Although stopping the items is relatively simply, knowing what the items listed are and whether its advisable to stop them is quite another. Thankfully, there is web site that allows you to type in the name of the items listed and it provides you with details as to what it is and whether its advisable to stop it. http://www.castlecops.com/sl-25.html

Just work you way through the list unchecking the items that you do not need at startup, then click "apply" followed by "close". The changes you have made will not come into effect until you have restarted your PC. The next time your PC starts, you will get a box pop up about msconfig, tick the box and select ok. Your PC will remember the setting and that pop up wont come up again. (Note: msconfig can be accessed in Tune Up Utilities in a more user friendly way)