How to Speed Up Windows.

Microsoft Windows XP

1. Buy More RAMIf your PC has less than 512MB of RAM, add more. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to upgrade and dramatically improve system performance. Installed internally in your computer, it should cost less than $100. You can buy additional RAM from any sto...re that sells computers or search online using the term "memory upgrades." For instructions on how to install it, search using this phrase: "How to install RAM."



2. Use the NTFS File SystemThe New Technology File System (NTFS) is the standard file system of Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It supersedes the FAT32 file system as the preferred file system for Windows. NTFS, unlike FAT32, provides far better security, better hard disk space usage, efficiency and reliability.



To test whether Windows XP is utilizing the NTFS file system, do the following:

• Double-click the My Computer icon.

• Right-click on the C: Drive and select Properties.

• Examine the File System type. If it says FAT32, then back-up any important data. (Repeat: Back-up important data before you move to the next step!)

• Click Start, click Run, type CMD and then click OK.

• At the prompt, type CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS and press the Enter key.



NOTE: This can be a long process, and it must be allowed to run uninterrupted. Before you run it, make sure the computer is virus-free.



WARNING: This is not for the timid. Doing this erases all your existing data, including your programs and personal files. That is why you must backup everything before you begin so you can restore your data from a backup and reinstall your operating system and programs. For more information from Microsoft, click here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881



3. Disable File IndexingFile indexing works by extracting information from documents and other files on your hard drive and creating a "searchable keyword index." This can really slow down your system. If you never use this search feature, disable it by doing the following:



• Double-click the My Computer icon.

• Right-click on the C: Drive and select Properties.

• Uncheck "Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching."

• Apply changes to "C: subfolders and files" and click OK.

• If a warning or error message appears, such as "Access is denied," click the Ignore All button.

• Because it has to apply the changes to all folders and files, this can take a while to complete. Plan to let it run overnight.



4. Remove Spyware Spyware is insidious, hiding in your system and potentially wreaking havoc -- or at the very least slowing things down. You can use a program like BetterGuard to remove spyware, malware and Trojans. In addition, McAfee security software, which is included at no extra charge with a paid AOL membership, includes spyware removal. Any spyware that either program finds can be safely removed from your computer.



5. Run a Disk CleanupOn the first day of every month, run a disk cleanup by doing the following:

• Double-click the My Computer icon.

• Right-click on the C: drive and select Properties.

• Click the Disk Cleanup button, which is located to the right of the Capacity pie graph.

• Delete all temporary files.



(Source: Carey Holzman, author of "The Healthy PC: Preventative Care and Home Remedies For Your Computer")See More

How to convert a FAT16 volume or a FAT32 volume to an NTFS file system in Windows XP

support.microsoft.com

Explains how to convert a FAT 16 file system or a FAT32 file system to an NTFS file system in Windows XP.