Links::.

Articles

Home
Downloads

Register
Support

Products::.

GreenClean

WordMetry

Freeware

Misc::.

Articles

FAQ

External Links

Articles

How to improve system performance of win98/ME/2000/XP in easy steps

Close all open programs not being used while working

Only use programs that are necessary. Minimizing a programs window may not stop that program from using the computer's processor and memory. Being connected to the Internet, listening to music, and running virus scans are all ways to use a lot of system resources. Try running virus scans and other system tools while at lunch or when away from the desk. Work offline when convenient. Closing programs that are not necessary helps Windows perform more efficiently.

Prevent unwanted background programs from loading

As programs load, the small icons on the systray bar build up as shown in Figure 1 (usually these icons are in the lower-right corner, next to the clock ). Each of these small pictures represents a program running in the background, and each one removes valuable system resources. Move the mouse pointer over each small picture to find what software it is. Common programs that load and run in the background are virus scanners, display settings, and multimedia programs. Increase system resources by stopping these tasks from loading, or by changing their settings. This can be achieved in a number of ways since these programs often start from various places. Consult the applications documentation or Web site.
Figure 1: Systray icons  

Free up space on the hard drive

Windows uses this space for different types of operations such as caching and virtual memory. The computer may not run reliably if the free disk space drops below five percent of the total disk space.   Run the GreenClean to remove all unneeded file types like *.bak, *log.txt, *.~mp, *._mp and *.?~?. so that you will gain  more space. You can also remove windows temporary files, internet temporary files, history files, recent files shortcuts, and cookies files. Get rid of excessive video clips, screensavers, etc. These files can be found in GreenClean by adding New Junk file types with extension *.mpeg, *.mov, *.scr, *.mpg, etc.

Once you are finished, view contents, and empty the recycle bin.

Scan Disk and Defragment your  hard drive

The program Scandisk checks a hard drive for errors. The program Disk Defragmenter takes all of the scattered bits of program data and groups them together in the front of the drive. Frequently used applications run much faster.

Close all programs that are running. This includes background programs such as virus scanners. If Scandisk or Disk Defragmenter starts itself over and over, then a hidden background program is still accessing the hard drive. Restart the computer in Safe mode and try again. 

Scan Disk in 98/ME : Start menu >> Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> ScanDisk.

Scan Disk in XP/2000 : Not available in Windows XP. In XP there's Check Disk, which can be run from the command line (chkdsk), or by right clicking a drive in Windows Explorer and choosing Properties > Tools > Error-checking >  Check Now. Under Check disk options, select the "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" and "Automatically fix file system errors" check box. You will now be prompted that windows can not begin this process because it cannot access places on the drive that are needed. You need to say yes to start the disk error check the next time you restart your computer. Now, restart your computer and the error check will now begin its processes this may take up to 30 minutes to 1 hours to complete.

Defrag in XP : Select Start button >> Programs >> Administrative Tools >> Computer Management. From the left menu select Disk Defragmenter.

Defrag in 98/ME/2000 : Click the Start button >> Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> Disk Defragmenter.

Ignore the "quick defrag" options.

Adjust system restore settings in Windows XP

System Restore is a feature of Windows that can revert system software and settings back to a particular date. System Restore does this by saving the changes made to system files in a restore point. These restore points use a lot of hard space. System Restore fills twelve percent of the hard drive with restore points if left unadjusted, regardless of the entire size of the hard drive.

Back to Articles