As Windows starts up there are many programs that are executed automatically, some of which you may not want starting up, and many of which do not need to be started every time your computer is booted up.

Using the Windows XP installation disk to format the hard drive and then install the operating system is a process that an average computer user can handle but if it is the first time doing so there are a few things that need to be explained.

There are many different causes for a computer system to run slow.  From the very first day that you unpacked the boxes, set up your new computer, and powered it on, it began to accumulate and store many different types of data.  Music, videos, letters, pictures, emails and more; the list gets larger and larger as more and more of our everyday lives become digitized to some degree.

Before attempting any system optimization, whether it's memory upgrades or software configuration, it would be a good idea to create a System Restore Point.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all create restore points automatically but it doesn't hurt to manually create one just prior to installing or uninstalling hardware or software, or before making changes to any system configuration settings.

Before attempting any system optimization, whether it's memory upgrades or software configuration, it would be a good idea to create a System Restore Point.  Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all create restore points automatically but it doesn't hurt to manually create one just prior to installing or uninstalling hardware or software, or before making changes to any system configuration settings.