Increase the Speed of Windows XP

In order to increase the speed of your Windows XP operating system you need to do a number of different things. This is because there are several factors at play and a variety of overlapping functions that cause Windows to slow down. If you have too many programs that start automatically when you boot up your computer, this can be a major reason behind a slow operating system. Sometimes, these programs are set up to load automatically. Sometimes your Windows Database settings are configured to run programs at startup. And, at other times, it is simply because they are part of the scripts. Whatever the reason, you can easily disable them. You just need to know how.

Perhaps the easiest way is to use a PC optimization and cleaning program that includes a manage startup items features. The best of these programs are easy to use and make it simple for you to disable unwanted programs from launching at startup.

You should also go to the Start menu, select "Programs" and then choose "Startup" in order to re-organize the start up items. Right-click on any items to remove them.

Another option is to empty the "Scheduled Tasks" folder, eliminating the shortcuts associated with applications that you do not want to automatically load and run.

A really easy way to stop all the applications in your folder from loading at startup is to simply press "Shift" while your computer is booting up. This will of course stop all programs from loading so you might not want to do this every time. All the items will remain in the folder so it's a good one-time only option. They will load, as normal, the next time you start your computer.

Using the System Configuration Utility:

The above options are a good start. If you are really serious about getting to the root of the problem, however, then you need to dig a little deeper. Some programs and applications that load automatically at startup are obscured. It might not be so obvious what applications they are and if they are even running. In order to turn off these applications you will need to utilize the "System Configuration Utility." Go to the Start menu and then select "Run." Enter msconfig into the textbox and then press "Enter."

Select the "Startup" tab and uncheck any programs that you want to stop from running automatically when the computer boots up. You might not be able to tell which programs are which, as they aren't always labeled very obviously. To find out what the program is, simply widen the "Command" column. This should be able to give you enough information to identify it.

Always make sure that you know which application you are disabling from automatic startup and never disable in groups. Always address each program individually or you may cause problems.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.