5 steps to fine-tune your Windows XP system.

1.    Make sure you have enough memory and free space on your hard drive.
128MB: Works for light use. (Should be upgraded to 256MB)
256MB: Good enough for web surfing and e-mail. (You will be happier with 512MB)
512MB: Most people will be happy with this setup.
1GB: To run graphic intensive programs and games.
2GB: This is for super gamers.
To check the amount of RAM in your system: Press the Windows and Pause/Break keys at the same time.
Tips: If you have less than 512MB you should consider turning off some of the Windows eye-candy. Here’s how, Press the Windows and Pause/Break keys to bring up     System Properties, Click on the Advanced tab, Click the Settings tab under Performance, Select Adjust for best performance. If you use some of the XP built-in utilities you might want to leave Use common tasks in folders enabled.

2.    Clean out every Virus, Spyware, Malware, and Adware you have on your system.
Symptoms: Pop-up ads, strange error messages, extra toolbars in IE.
Tools: AVG Anti-virus, Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware, and CCleaner. (These just a few that are highly recommended)
Tips: It is better if you turn off System Restore and scan your system in Safe Mode. Be sure to update all your software before scanning, you may not be able to update them once you’re in Safe Mode. See download section for software download links.

Note: Completely clean out Spyware can be a hassle and time consuming. I recommend you pay a repair shop to do the job if you are not up for it.

3.    Remove extra programs you’re positive you don’t use or need.
This will free up some hard drive space.
This may also free up some memory. (Isn’t the case with all programs)
To remove unwanted programs click Start, Settings, Control Panel then go to Add/Remove Programs.

4.    Reducing the number of programs that run when Windows starts.
Click Start, Run and type in msconfig and click OK. This will bring up the system configuration utility.
Click on the Startup tab and deselect the one you don’t want to run on start up.

5.    Defragment your hard drive.
This is like reorganizing your file cabinet. Once it is organized you will be able to locate your files faster.
Open My Computer, Right-click on the local dist volume that you want to defrag and click Properties.
On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now.
Click defragment.