- 1). Perform a disk cleanup to remove old and useless files from your computer, increasing your overall amount of storage space. To perform a disk cleanup, go to the "Start" menu and select "Accessories." Select "System Tools," and then select "Disk Cleanup." Check off all possible cleaning options to delete all the clutter that accumulates on your PC.
- 2). Defrag your computer by accessing the "Start" menu, and selecting "Accessories." Select "System Tools," and then select "Disk Defragmenter." Defragging your hard drive is like alphabetizing your book collection, making it easier to find any individual file (book) without an extensive search process. Depending on the size of your hard drive, defragging can take anywhere from five to 60 minutes.
- 3). Perform a repair of the operating system if there's something wrong with your XP installation. Insert the Windows XP installation disc into your computer and reboot. Enter the BIOS by pressing on the designated key on your keyboard during the system startup messages.
- 4). Go to the "Boot Order Menu," and change the first boot device to read "CD-ROM" or "D" drive. Save your changes, and exit the BIOS.
- 5). Press on the "R" key on your keyboard to start the Recovery Console once the machine reboots and loads into the Windows installation screen. The Recovery Console repairs all of the system files for your XP installation, saving you the cost of taking your machine to a technician. The process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on the speed of your computer.
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