- First we'll deal with the default window that comes up. Click the "Delete Files"
button.
- Next, "Delete Cookies". You may notice that your regular sites you visit may not
recognize you any more. After all, that's what cookies are meant for.
- Next, you have a chance here to set the length of time you'd like Windows to store
your history. I use one day, but you may adjust to what ever time span you choose.
The default is 20 days.
- Since we're here now is the time to set your home page. I like to use a blank page
so there's no need to wait for a page to load every time a browser is opened. Again,
this choice is yours.
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- In this Advanced tab there's no reason to play around unless you understand the
consequences of your actions.
- You may read through each option in here to customize your web experience.
- If you're unfamiliar with all of this tech jargon, then just click "Restore Defaults".
- The check box of interest to us in this window reads "Empty Temporary Internet Files
folder when browser is closed". This will empty out the files that are gathered
from internet usage.
- Click Apply and then OK. We'll move on from our first step of clean up.
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Our next step in restoring our XP PC involves downloading some free software. We
prefer
to download your copy. You must be logged on as an administrator to download and
install a program. If you are not, please do so now.
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- This is the first window that appears presents the opportunity to update the definition
file. It's a good idea to do so now.
- Next, click start to advance to the next window.
- Select "Perform Full System Scan" Radio button. We'll only do this for the first
scan, and will take some time if you have a large hard drive.
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- Repeat Scan until you get a clean scan with no critical object.
- I recommend disconnecting you PC from the internet, and restarting the computer.
After restarting, continue scan until a clean scan is achieved.
- Your PC should run much smoother already. However, there's more work to do.
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- Hopefully this will be your final step in restoring you XP PC to stable working
state. If you still have problems after this, see our resources page to find more
info.
- If you've never updated XP, then this step may take a few restarts. XP requires
a restart after some updates.
- You can run the Express update to make sure you download and install all critical
updates.
- If you're an advanced user, you may choose to Custom update to install additional
software and hardware updates that are pertinent to you're system.
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- This is the screen we want to see. This means Windows XP software has been fully
updated with the latest patches.
- By default, Windows Firewall will be enabled. If you're using this site, chances
are you don't have a firewall. So, always leave the firewall enabled.
- From now on Windows should update itself if you elected to do so. Anytime Windows
offers to update itself, let it. You can continue working on XP. It will let you
know if it needs to restart. You may post pone the update restart until it's convenient
for you.
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- This is our last step. This is defrag, and it's located on the start menu located
in start / All Programs / Accessories / System Tools / defrag.
- At this point you can click defrag, or you can Analyze the C drive first. I would
recommend to defrag the C drive. I like to run it at least once a month. It should
be be done more or less depending on you PC usage.
- If you're still having problems with your XP PC, and don't know where to look next
you should consult a
professional.
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