- 1). Click on the "Start" button.
- 2). Click "Run."
- 3). Type "msconfig" in the text box and click the "OK" button.
- 4). Click the "Startup" tab. Here you will see a list of all the programs that are loaded into the computer memory every time Windows XP is started. These programs not only slow the boot-up process, but takes up the memory of your computer as well. Look through the list of programs and find which programs can be removed. Unchecking the box and rebooting your computer will remove these programs from the startup process of your computer.
However, some of these programs are necessary. Some of these programs are anti-viral software, video drivers and preliminary Windows applications. In most cases these programs can be unchecked, and if something does not work right you can go back in and re-add them to the startup process. Looking on the Internet for each specific file can take some time, but it will help you to decide which of the files are important and which ones can be removed. - 5). Uncheck the programs you want to remove and click the "OK" button.
- 6). Restart your computer. You should notice a significant difference in the startup process.
- 1). Find how much RAM is currently installed in your computer. Click on the "Start" button. Select the "Control Panel" option. When the "Control Panel" window opens, double-click the "System" icon. Click the "General" tab. The last line under the "Computer:" section will be the RAM speed and the amount of RAM (i.e., 1.35GHz, 768MB of RAM). XP requires at least 512MB of RAM for a quick start.
- 2). Locate new RAM to install into your computer. A link in "Additional Resources," below, will take you to one of the best memory selection sites. To avoid voiding the warranty, check your warranty manual to see if you are required to use a specific type of memory. Many computer companies have specific RAM modules that they have tested, and have verified to work seamlessly with your particular computer.
- 3). Purchase the RAM.
- 4). Install the RAM. Your computer manufacturer will have a site dedicated to showing you the proper way to install computer memory. Follow the details diligently.