Here's a small list of things you can do to speed up your computer, most of it is quite simple, I might add some more things over time.

Check the hard disk for errors (Source)

If you're using Windows XP, you can use the Error-checking tool to check the integrity of your hard disk, including file system errors and bad sectors.

To run the Error-checking tool:

1. Click Start, click My Computer, and then right-click the local disk that you want to check (usually, this is drive C).

2. Click Properties, and then click Tools.

3. Under 'Error-checking', click 'Check Now'…. Make sure both check boxes are selected, then click Start.


Delete unused programs

Doing this frees up space on your hard disk.

To delete unused programs:

1. Click Start, click Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Click Add or Remove Programs.

3. Scroll through the list and look for applications you don't use, then click 'Remove' and follow the simple UninstallWizard that comes up.


Defragment your hard disk

If you're using Windows XP, you can use the defragmentation tool to optimize disk space.

To run the defragmentation tool:

1. Click Start, click My Computer, and then right-click the local disk that you want to check (usually, this is drive C).

2. Click Properties, and then click Tools.

3. Under Defragmentation click Defragment now and then Defragment.

(When defragmenting it's best to leave the computer until it has finished, depending on the state of your hard disk this can take many hours).


Disable unnecessary startup applications

This can be done to stop unwanted applications from automatically loading after logging on to your pc.

To do this:

1. Click Start, click Run, and then type 'Msconfig' and press Okay.

2. In the window that pops up, click the Startup tab.

3. Now simply untick the box for applications you do not need.

(A useful way of seeing which applications are not needed, is to look at their Location. If they are from 'My Documents', 'Desktop' or anything similar, it's likely that they are junk programs; however this is not true in all cases).


Creating a Run Command shortcut

Doing this can make it quicker and easier to open folders that are tucked away deep within your hard drive.

To do this:

1. Locate the folder you wish to create a shortcut to, right click and Copy it.

2. Go to C:\Windows, right click and select Paste.

3. Rename the folder that has now been pasted in to C:\Windows, so that it has no spaces in it.

4. Now whenever you want to open this folder, press Windows Key + R (or click Start>Run) and simply type in the name of this folder and press OK.


Prevent pop-ups and security threats

Download the free program, Windows® Defender (Beta 2) from Microsoft.


Remove malware (malicious software)

Download the free program, Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool from Microsoft.

Awesome information!!

I'll add two free tools I never let a computer leave the shop without...

Adaware SE personal is a FREE malware removal tool. For the novices that means less chance of having personal info stolen, better performance on your computer if you have nasties running secretly in the background, less pesky pop-ups. It can be downloaded here.

AVG offers a free and very good antivirus program that I value way more than Norton, McAfee or any other purchased antivirus software. It can be downloaded here.

Or you could buy a mac

That's the only computer that works

PCs worked great... in Dos. I've been hearing more and more about Macs being targeted lately, it is coming

I think I'd stick with mac if more of my favorite games were cross platform. Everquest finally went Mac but after 6 years on the same server it's just too late to switch.

Bleagh. I hate macs with a fiery passion.

Quick question Raptor, when I type "Msconfig" into the Run textbox, nothing happens, it just tells me that the filename is wrong.

Thanks for adding that Episteme.



You can just do a search on your computer for 'Msconfig' (make sure that you have the boxes to search Hidden and System folders) and you should find an Msconfig.exe, you can just click that and do the same thing.

I Gotta few of 'em