Has your PC slowed down? Constantly waiting for your pc to load or XP to carry out tasks? Over time Microsoft's Windows XP can slow down to a snails pace with out regular simple maintenance. To get XP performing properly and quickly again just carry out the steps listed below:

1. Scan PC for Virus's   2. Scan PC for Spyware/Malware   3. Update XP with Windows Update   4. Delete temporary files   5. Delete temp internet files and cookies   6. Delete Prefetch folder contents   7. Uninstall unwanted programs   8. Defragment your hard drive   9. Clean Registry 10. Stop unwanted startup items 11. Stop you PC overheating

 

 

 

 

 

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Scanning your computer for Viruses nowadays is an essential task. Many viruses still manage to remain hidden in your system even after scanning and attempting to remove them. If you want to remove a stubborn Virus try the steps below.

Firstly you want to delete all temporary internet files, so navigate to

Start>Control Panel>Internet Options

Select the general tab at the top, then next to Temporary Internet Files click "Delete Files..." When the delete files box pops up, tick the box next to "Delete all offline content" and click OK. The next step is to turn system restore off. (Some viruses are known to hide in System Restore). To turn System Restore off navigate to

Start>Control Panel>System

Select the System Restore tab at the top, then tick the box next to "Turn off System Restore on all drives" then click ok. (note: remember to redo these steps and turn on system restore later).

Launch your Anti-Virus program, if you don't have one you can download AVG Free. You then need to allow the Anti-Virus to update so you get the latest definitions so it can find the latest virus. Now System Restore is turned off and your definitions file updated your PC needs to be booted in safe mode. (Safe Mode is a setting where only items essential to XP are loaded). To boot into Safe Mode you need to restart the PC and by repeatedly pressing the F8 as soon as the PC starts. You will be given several options, select Safe Mode and press enter. (note: Some PC's enter safe mode by pressing different buttons to F8)(Update:Click here for tutorial on how to boot into safe mode)

Once in safe mode, run your Anti-Virus software to scan your PC Viruses. If you don't have have any Anti-Virus software, recommend you download AVG Anti Virus-Free. Remember an Anti-Virus software should be used as well as Anti-Spyware software.
Read on to see how to scan for Spyware/Malware.

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Scanning your PC for Spyware/Malware is essential to keep your PC healthy and running smoothly. Spyware/Malware may be undetectable by your Anti-Virus software. Malwarebytes is arguably the best currently on the market and has a free version that is excellent! Simply download Malwarebytes, install and run, selecting "Quick Scan". This will remove/disable the majority of Spyware/Malware. Other good Anti-Spyware/Anti-Malware products are "Spybot Search and Destroy" and "Adaware". If you have a persistent problem you can use all three.