Optimization and Maintenance of Windows XP

Table of Contents:

1. Optimize and Maintain Windows XP
2. Using Multiple Antivirus Programs in Windows XP
3. Internet Explorer Maintenance
4. Keeping Your Windows XP Computer Secure

This article is for Microsoft Windows XP.
Click below to change the operating system.

• Windows 8
• Windows 7
• Windows Vista

This article describes how to optimize Windows XP performance, as well as perform routine maintenance and avoid program conflicts.

Optimize and Maintain Windows XP

To optimize your Windows XP computer, refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base Article, "Maintenance tasks that improve performance"

There are also a few key housekeeping tasks that should be routinely performed on a computer to keep it running smoothly
 

1. Run Windows Update - Make sure that all key operating system updates are installed. Visit Microsoft KB article "Updating Your Computer" to learn more.
    
2. Defragment Your Hard Drive. Files on your hard drive can sometimes become spread out, or fragmented, across different sectors of the drive. Defragmenting the hard drive aligns the pieces of those files in one sector, which increases the efficiency of the operating system to open the files. To learn more, see Microsoft KB article, "Improve performance by defragmenting your hard disk"
    
3. Update the Drivers on the Computer. Old drivers may cause certain applications to not run correctly, or may have bugs that have been fixed in later releases. Drivers should be checked for updates at least twice a year. Click the button below to visit the Dell Drviers and Downloads website to update your drivers!

Get the Latest Drivers for Your Dell Computer!

Using Multiple Antivirus Programs in Windows XP

The use of multiple anti-virus programs may cause your system to lock up. Anti-virus programs come pre-installed on most Dell Computers, so customers sometimes install other anti-virus programs without realizing that there is already a system installed. If you decide to install an alternate anti-virus software, it is important that you first uninstall any other anti-virus programs that may be running on your computer.
Choose only one anti-virus program and reinstall it. It is not recommended to have more than one anti-virus software package installed on your computer.

Internet Explorer Maintenance

Dell recommends the latest version of Internet Explorer. To get the latest version of Internet Explorer, visit the Internet Explorer Solution Station and click Downloads.

Keeping Your Windows XP Computer Secure

Along with regular maintenance, you will want to make sure that Internet Security Software is installed on your computer and is kept up to date.

If you do not have or do not wish to purchase any Internet security software, Microsoft has created free security software built specifically for your operating system. Visit Microsoft Security Essentials to preview, download and get support.