About Ryan Stewart Expertise I can answer questions, provide advice and assist with troubleshooting several areas of internet and network security including but not limited to: Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 & 2008, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Linux operating systems; planning, design, implementation, management & testing in small business, home and home office environments; server and workstation hardware; in-house and remote system auditing; software-based offensive security (penetration and vulnerability testing); software-based defensive security (firewall configuration, encrypting & securing services with SSL, VPN, AV gateway, antivirus, access control, monitoring & intrusion detection); hardware-based security configuration & techniques; Certificate Authority and SSL certificates; wireless security (WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1X).
Experience I've been an independent IT consultant for 5 years serving small businesses and home users.
Education/Credentials CISM - Certified Information Security Manager |
CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security |
MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
Question Ryan
My desktop with XP home edition has gotten really slow, especially internet speed (Firefox).
My other computer same type on the same line has no issues.
I have run several anti virus programs and a 'tuneup program' which hasnt helped.
I am wondering if one of the free 'tuneup programs' or something else I downloaded affected the settings?
Where can I go to, as an administrator, and checj to see that all my setting for memory, internet speed, etc, are optimised or at least XP spec.?
Thanks!
Answer Van,
Here are some things you can do to clean out and restore the performance of your XP machine:
1. Create a fresh system restore point before proceeding.
2. Clean out temporary internet files: Open Internet Explorer, select Tools>Internet Options. Click on the General tab and hit the button that says Delete Files under the Temporary Internet Files header. You'll see a message asking if you want to delete the Offline content as well and when you do, put a check in the box next to "Delete all offline content".
3. Remove temporary program files: Open up My Computer> C: > Temp folder. Delete all of the files contained within the Temp folder.
4. Empty the recycle bin
5. Restart your computer
6. De-fragment your hard drive: Open My Computer, right click on your primary hard drive (C:) and then click Properties. Select the Tools tab and click Defragment Now. Click Defragment.
After the defrag is complete, run a full system scan with Spybot Search & Destroy (available for free, http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html ). Remove the items that are detected during the scan. You should now notice a significant increase in both system and internet speed.
Good luck with everything and don't hesitate to ask for any assistance in the future. I'm always happy to help.
