Re: WindowsXP slower after reinstall.

Did you install the drivers for your motherboard, CPU and chipset?

Do you have an Intel motherboard?

Bobby

"Frank Martin" <paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:OdGl7o24FHA.696@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:eyicSO04FHA.696@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Frank Martin wrote:
>> >I have had to reinstall WindowsXP after a System32 file corruption, but
> now
>> > the system runs slower.
>> >
>> > How can I get the speed back to the original?
>> >
>> > Also, I need to reload all the past Microsoft security downloads,
>> > including
>> > Service Pack II. Can I do this from an old (2 weeks ago)
>> > streamer-tape
>> > backup?
>> >
>> >
>> > Where are all the security downloads situated on the HHD, because if I
>> > know
>> > this I can reinstall them from backup.
>>
>> Did you get on the Internet unprotected by a firewall or antivirus?
>> You may already be infected.
>>
>> Also - did you test your hardware before reinstalling - it could be a bad
>> hard disk drive.
>>
>> And no - if you did not download the installable files for the patches -
> you
>> will have to do whatever you did before to get them installed or download
>> them individually and store them on external media if you don't want to
>> do
>> this again in the same way. Getting them from Automatic Updates of the
> web
>> page (windowsupdate.microsoft.com) does not store them on your PC in an
>> installable fashion.
>>
>> Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
>> http://snipurl.com/8bqy
>>
>> You can download all updates and burn them to CD..
>>
>> You can download each update manually - based off the KB Article number,
>> etc. That way you can back it up/burn a CD of them in case you need them
> or
>> use them to keep a slipstream/integrated (updated) Windows XP CD.
>>
>> How to use the Windows Update Catalog
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/323166
>> (In order to use the Windows Update Catalog, you must use IE to get the
>> patches..)
>>
>> Windows Update Catalog
>> http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/en/default.asp
>> (In order to use the Windows Update Catalog, you must use IE to get the
>> patches..)
>>
>> Creating an Integrated Installation
>> http://snipurl.com/el43
>>
>> Integrate software updates into your Windows installation source files
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828930
>>
>> Really customize your CD..
>> http://unattended.msfn.org/
>>
>> Produce an up-to-date XP Distribution CD
>> http://xpcreate.com/
>>
>>
>> You can see the critical (security and other) patches released for a
>> given
>> month using the following:
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms##-***.mspx
>>
>> At the end of this line you see "ms##-***.mspx" .. If you simply replace
> ##
>> with the two-digit year and the *** with the three character month
>> abbreviation, you will see the list of "critical" and "important" patches
>> for that month (since it only happens once a month usually, if you check
> by
>> the second Tuesday (wait until afternoon) of each month - you should be
>> fine) - note that future months will not work.
>>
>> As an example...
>>
>> December 2004's patches..
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms04-dec.mspx
>>
>> March 2005's patches..
>> None released.. so that one will fail...
>>
>> May 2005's patches..
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-may.mspx
>>
>> July 2005's patches..
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-jul.mspx
>>
>>
>> Once you get on the page with each month's list of patches.. You can go
>> to
>> the related KB articles and grab the appropriate files from there.
>>
>> Also - cleanup and properly maintain the system - make sure you have not
>> already gotten a virus and make sure you have installed all the latest
>> drivers from the manufacturer of each piece of hardware - that can make a
>> huge difference.
>>
>> Microsoft has these suggestions for Protecting your computer from the
>> various things that could happen to you/it:
>>
>> Protect your PC
>> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
>>
>>
>> Although those tips are fantastic, there are many things you should
>> know above and beyond what is there. Below I have detailed
>> out many steps that can not only help you clean-up a problem PC but
>> keep it clean ,secure and running at its top performance mark.
>>
>> I know this text can seem intimidating - it is quite long and a lot
>> to take in for a novice - but I assure you that one trip through this
>> list and you will understand your computer and the options available
>> to you for protecting your data much better - and that the next time
>> you review these steps, the time it takes will be greatly reduced.
>>
>> Let's take the cleanup of your computer step-by-step. Yes, it will take
>> up some of your time - but consider what you use your computer
>> for and how much you would dislike it if all of your stuff on your
>> computer went away because you did not "feel like" performing some
>> simple maintenance tasks - think of it like taking out your garbage,
>> collecting and sorting your postal mail, paying your bills on time,
>> etc.
>>
>> I'll mainly work around Windows XP, as that is what the bulk of this
>> document is about; however, here is a place for you poor souls still
>> stuck in Windows 98/ME where you can get information on maintaining
>> your system:
>>
>> Windows 98 and 'Maintaining Your Computer':
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/usingwindows/maintaining/
>>
>> Windows ME Computer Health:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/computerhealth/articles/
>>
>> Pay close attention to the sections:
>> (in order)
>> - Clean up your hard disk
>> - Check for errors by running ScanDisk
>> - Defragment your hard disk
>> - Roll back the clock with System Restore
>>
>>
>> Also - now is a good time to point you to one of the easiest ways to find
>> information on problems you may be having and solutions others have
>> found:
>>
>> Search using Google!
>> http://www.google.com/
>> (How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )
>>
>>
>> Now, let's go through some maintenance first that should only have to be
>> done once (mostly):
>>
>> Tip (1):
>> Locate all of the software you have installed on your computer.
>> (the installation media - CDs, downloaded files, etc)
>> Collect these CDs and files together in a central and safe
>> place along with their CD keys and such. Make backups of these
>> installation media sets using your favorite copying method (CD/DVD Burner
>> and application, Disk copier, etc.) You'll be glad to know that if you
>> have a CD/DVD burner, you may be able to use a free application to make a
>> duplicate copy of your CDs. One such application is ISORecorder:
>>
>> ISORecorder page (with general instructions on use):
>> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/beta.htm
>>
>> Yes - it is BETA software - but very useful and well tested.
>>
>> More full function applications (free) for CD/DVD burning would be:
>>
>> DeepBurner Free
>> http://www.deepburner.com/
>>
>> CDBurnerXP Pro
>> http://www.cdburnerxp.se/
>>
>> Another Option would be to search the web with Pricewatch.com or
>> Dealsites.net and find deals on Products like Ahead Nero and/or Roxio.
>>
>>
>> Tip (2):
>> Empty your Temporary Internet Files and shrink the size it stores to a
>> size between 128MB and 512MB..
>>
>> - Open ONE copy of Internet Explorer.
>> - Select TOOLS -> Internet Options.
>> - Under the General tab in the "Temporary Internet Files" section, do the
>> following:
>> - Click on "Delete Cookies" (click OK)
>> - Click on "Settings" and change the "Amount of disk space to use:" to
>> something between 128MB and 512MB. (Betting it is MUCH larger right
>> now.)
>> - Click OK.
>> - Click on "Delete Files" and select to "Delete all offline contents"
>> (the checkbox) and click OK. (If you had a LOT, this could take 2-10
>> minutes or more.)
>> - Once it is done, click OK, close Internet Explorer, re-open Internet
>> Explorer.
>>
>>
>> Tip (3):
>> If things are running a bit sluggish and/or you have an older system
>> (1.5GHz or less and 256MB RAM or less) then you may want to look into
>> tweaking the performance by turning off some of the 'resource hogging'
>> Windows XP "prettifications". The fastest method is:
>>
>> Control Panel --> System --> Advanced tab --> Performance section,
>> Settings button. Then choose "adjust for best performance" and you
>> now have a Windows 2000/98 look which turned off most of the annoying
>> "prettifications" in one swift action. You can play with the last
>> three checkboxes to get more of an XP look without many of the
>> other annoyances. You could also grab and install/use one
>> (or more) of the Microsoft Powertoys - TweakUI in particular:
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
>>
>>
>> Tip (4):
>> Understanding what a good password might be is vital to your
>> personal and system security. You may think you do not need to password
>> your home computer, as you may have it in a locked area (your home) where
>> no one else has access to it. Remember, however, you aren't always
>> "in that locked area" when using your computer online - meaning you
>> likely
>> have usernames and passwords associated with web sites and the likes that
>> you would prefer other people do not discover/use. This is why you
>> should
>> understand and utilize good passwords.
>>
>> Good passwords are those that meet these general rules
>> (mileage may vary):
>>
>> Passwords should contain at least six characters, and the character
>> string should contain at least three of these four character types:
>> - uppercase letters
>> - lowercase letters
>> - numerals
>> - nonalphanumeric characters (e.g., *, %, &, !, :)
>>
>> Passwords should not contain your name/username.
>> Passwords should be unique to you and easy to remember.
>>
>> One method many people are using today is to make up a phrase that
>> describes a point in their life and then turning that phrase into their
>> password by using only certain letters out of each word in that phrase.
>> It's much better than using your birthday month/year or your anniversary
>> in a pure sense. For example, let's say my phrase is:
>> 'Moved to new home in 2004'
>> I could come up with this password from that:
>> 'Mv2n3whmN04'
>>
>> The password tip is in the one time section, but I highly
>> recommend you periodically change your passwords. The suggested time
>> varies, but I will throw out a 'once in every 3 to 6 months for
>> every account you have.'
>>
>>
>> Tip (5):
>> This tip is also 'questionable' in the one time section; however -
>> if properly setup - this one can be pretty well ignored for most people
>> after the initial 'fiddle-with' time.
>>
>> Why you should use a computer firewall..
>> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/fwbenefits.mspx
>>
>> You should, in some way, use a firewall. Hardware (like a nice
>> Cable Modem/DSL router) or software is up to you. Many use both of
>> these. The simplest one to use is the hardware one, as most people
>> don't do anything that they will need to configure their NAT device
>> for and those who do certainly will not mind fiddling with the equipment
>> to make things work for them. Next in the line of simplicity would
>> have to be the built-in Windows Firewall of Windows XP. In SP2 it
>> is turned on by default. It is not difficult to turn on in any
>> case, however:
>>
>> Enable/Disable the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673
>>
>> More information on the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320855
>>
>> Post-SP2 Windows Firewall Information/guidance:
>> http://snipurl.com/atal
>>
>> The trouble with the Windows Firewall is that it only keeps things
>> out. For most people who maintain their system in other ways, this is
>> MORE than sufficient. However, you may feel otherwise. If you want to
>> know when one of your applications is trying to obtain access to the
>> outside world so you can stop it, then you will have to install a
>> third-party application and configure/maintain it. I have compiled a
>> list with links of some of the better known/free firewalls you can choose
>> from:
>>
>> BlackICE PC Protection (~$39.95 and up)
>> http://blackice.iss.net/
>>
>> Jetico Personal Firewall (Free)
>> http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/jpfirewall.htm
>>
>> Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF) (Free and up)
>> http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html
>>
>> Outpost Firewall from Agnitum (Free and up)
>> http://www.agnitum.com/download/
>>
>> Sygate Personal Firewall (Free and up)
>> http://smb.sygate.com/buy/download_buy.htm
>>
>> Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall (~$25 and up)
>> http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
>>
>> ZoneAlarm (Free and up)
>> http://snipurl.com/6ohg
>>
>> You should find the right firewall for your situation in that
>> list and set it up.
>>
>> Every firewall WILL require some maintenance. Essentially checking for
>> patches or upgrades (this goes for hardware and software solutions) is
>> the extent of this maintenance - you may also have to configure your
>> firewall to allow some traffic depending on your needs.
>>
>> ** Don't stack the software firewalls! Running more than one software
>> firewall will not make you safer - it would possibly negate some
>> protection you gleamed from one or the other firewall you run.
>>
>>
>> Now that you have some of the more basic things down..
>> Let's go through some of the steps you should take periodically to
>> maintain a healthy and stable windows computer. If you have not
>> done some of these things in the past, they may seem tedious - however,
>> they will become routine and some can even be automatically scheduled.
>>
>>
>> Tip (6):
>> The system restore feature is a new one - first appearing in Windows
>> ME and then sticking around for Windows XP. It is a useful feature
>> if you keep it maintained and use it to your advantage. Remember that
>> the system restore pretty much tells you in the name what it protects
>> which is 'system' files. Your documents, your pictures, your stuff is
>> NOT system files - so you should also look into some backup solution.
>>
>> Whenever you think about it (after doing a once-over on your machine
>> once a month or so would be optimal) - clear out your System Restore
>> and create a manual restoration point.
>>
>> 'Why?'
>>
>> Too many times have I seen the system restore files go corrupt or get
>> a virus in them, meaning you could not or did not want to restore from
>> them. By clearing it out periodically you help prevent any corruption
>> from happening and you make sure you have at least one good "snapshot".
>> (*This, of course, will erase any previous restore point you have.*)
>>
>> - Turn off System Restore.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
>> - Reboot the Computer.
>> - Review the first bullet to turn on System Restore
>> - Make a Manual Restoration Point.
>> http://snipurl.com/68nx
>>
>> That covers your system files, but doesn't do anything for the files
>> that you are REALLY worried about - yours! For that you need to look
>> into backups. You can either manually copy your important files,
>> folders,
>> documents, spreadsheets, emails, contacts, pictures, drawings and so on
>> to an external location (CD/DVD - any disk of some sort, etc) or you can
>> use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP:
>>
>> How To Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422
>>
>> Yes - you still need some sort of external media to store the results
>> on, but you could schedule the backup to occur when you are not around,
>> then burn the resultant data onto CD or DVD or something when you are
>> (while you do other things!)
>>
>> A lot of people have wondered about how to completely backup their system
>> so that they would not have to go through the trouble of a reinstall..
>> I'm going to voice my opinion here and say that it would be worthless to
>> do for MOST people. Unless you plan on periodically updating the image
>> backup of your system (remaking it) - then by the time you use it
>> (something goes wrong) - it will be so outdated as to be more trouble
>> than
>> performing a full install of the operating system and all applications.
>>
>> Having said my part against it, you can clone/backup your hard drive
>> completely using many methods - by far the simplest are using disk
>> cloning
>> applications:
>>
>> Symantec/Norton Ghost
>> http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/
>>
>> Acronis True Image
>> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage
>>
>>
>> Tip (7):
>> You should sometimes look through the list of applications that are
>> installed on your computer. The list may surprise you. There are more
>> than likely things in there you know you never use - so why have them
>> there? There may even be things you know you did *not* install and
>> certainly do not use (maybe don't WANT to use.)
>>
>> This web site should help you get started at looking through this list:
>>
>> How to Uninstall Programs
>> http://snipurl.com/8v6b
>>
>> A word of warning - Do NOT uninstall anything you think you MIGHT need
>> in the future unless you have completed Tip (1) and have the installation
>> media and proper keys for use backed up somewhere safe!
>>
>>
>> Tip (8):
>> Patches and Updates!
>>
>> This one cannot be stressed enough. It is SO simple, yet so neglected
>> by many people. It is especially simple for the critical Windows
>> patches!
>> Microsoft put in an AUTOMATED feature for you to utilize so that you do
>> NOT have to worry yourself about the patching of the Operating System:
>>
>> How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
>>
>> However, not everyone wants to be a slave to automation, and that is
>> fine. Admittedly, I prefer this method on some of my more critical
>> systems.
>>
>> Windows Update
>> http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
>>
>> Go there and scan your machine for updates. Always get the critical ones
>> as you see them. Write down the KB###### or Q###### you see when
>> selecting the updates and if you have trouble over the next few days,
>> go into your control panel (Add/Remove Programs), insure that the
>> 'Show Updates' checkbox is checked and match up the latest numbers you
>> downloaded recently (since you started noticing an issue) and uninstall
>> them. If there was more than one (usually is), uninstall them one by one
>> with a few hours of use in between, to see if the problem returns.
>> Yes - the process is not perfect (updating) and can cause trouble like I
>> mentioned - but as you can see, the solution isn't that bad - and is
>> MUCH better than the alternatives.
>>
>> Windows is not the only product you likely have on your PC. The
>> manufacturers of the other products usually have updates. New versions
>> of almost everything come out all the time - some are free, some are pay
>> and some you can only download if you are registered - but it is best
>> to check. Just go to their web pages and look under their support and
>> download sections. For example, for Microsoft Office you should visit:
>>
>> Microsoft Office Updates
>> http://office.microsoft.com/
>> (and select 'Check for Updates' and/or 'Downloads' for more)
>>
>> You also have hardware on your machine that requires drivers to interface
>> with the operating system. You have a video card that allows you to see
> on
>> your screen, a sound card that allows you to hear your PCs sound output
> and
>> so on. Visit those manufacturer web sites for the latest downloadable
>> drivers for your hardware/operating system. Always get the
>> manufacturers'
>> hardware driver over any Microsoft offers. On the Windows Update site I
>> mentioned earlier, I suggest NOT getting their hardware drivers - no
> matter
>> how tempting.
>>
>> How do you know what hardware you have in your computer? Break out the
>> invoice or if it is up and working now - take inventory:
>>
>> Belarc Advisor
>> http://belarc.com/free_download.html
>>
>> EVEREST Home Edition
>> http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en
>>
>> Once you know what you have, what next? Go get the latest driver for
>> your
>> hardware/OS from the manufacturer's web page. For example, let's say you
>> have an NVidia chipset video card or ATI video card, perhaps a Creative
>> Labs sound card or C-Media chipset sound card...
>>
>> NVidia Video Card Drivers
>> http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
>>
>> ATI Video Card Drivers
>> http://www.atitech.com/support/driver.html
>>
>> Creative Labs Sound Device
>> http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/
>>
>> C-Media Sound Device
>> http://www.cmedia.com.tw/e_download_01.htm
>>
>> Then install these drivers. Updated drivers are usually more stable and
>> may provide extra benefits/features that you really wished you had
>> before.
>>
>> As for Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made this
>> particular patch available in a number of ways. First, there is the
>> Windows Update web page above. Then there is a direct download site.
>>
>> Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
>> http://snipurl.com/8bqy
>>
>> If all else fails - grab the full download above and try to use that.
>> In this case - consider yourself a 'IT professional or developer'.
>>
>>
>> Tip (9):
>> What about the dreaded word in the computer world, VIRUS?
>>
>> Well, there are many products to choose from that will help you prevent
>> infections from these horrid little applications. Many are FREE to the
>> home user and which you choose is a matter of taste, really. Many people
>> have emotional attachments or performance issues with one or another
>> AntiVirus software. Try some out, read reviews and decide for yourself
>> which you like more:
>>
>> ( Good Comparison Page for AV software: http://www.av-comparatives.org/ )
>>
>> AntiVir (Free and up)
>> http://www.free-av.com/
>>
>> avast! (Free and up)
>> http://www.avast.com/
>>
>> AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
>> http://free.grisoft.com/
>>
>> eset NOD32 (~$39.00 and up)
>> http://www.eset.com/products/products.htm
>>
>> eTrust EZ Antivirus (~$29.95 and up)
>> http://ca.com/store/home/us/hp2/
>>
>> Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
>> http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html
>>
>> McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
>> http://www.mcafee.com/
>>
>> Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
>> http://www.pandasoftware.com/
>> (Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)
>>
>> RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
>> http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
>>
>> Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
>> http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
>>
>> Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
>> http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
>> (Free Online Scanner:
>> http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
>>
>>
>> Most of them have automatic update capabilities. You will have to
>> look into the features of the one you choose. Whatever one you finally
>> settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily) and
>> perform a full scan periodically (yes, most protect you actively, but a
>> full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)
>>
>>
>> Tip (10):
>> The most rampant infestation at the current time concerns SPYWARE/ADWARE.
>> You need to eliminate it from your machine.
>>
>> There is no one software that cleans and immunizes you against
>> everything. Antivirus software - you only needed one. Firewall, you
>> only needed one. AntiSpyware - you will need several. I have a list and
>> I recommend you use at least the first five.
>>
>> First - make sure you have NOT installed "Rogue AntiSpyware". There are
>> people out there who created AntiSpyware products that actually install
>> spyware of their own! You need to avoid these:
>>
>> Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
>> http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
>>
>> Also, you can always visit this site..
>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> For more updated information.
>>
>> Install the first five of these: (Install, Run, Update, Scan with..)
>> (If you already have one or more - uninstall them and download the
>> LATEST version from the page given!)
>>
>> Lavasoft AdAware (Free and up)
>> http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
>> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdn )
>>
>> Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)
>> http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
>> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdk )
>>
>> Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner (Free!)
>> http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/
>> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate3 )
>>
>> SpywareBlaster (Free!)
>> http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
>> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate6 )
>>
>> IE-SPYAD2 (Free!)
>> https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
>> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate7 )
>>
>> CWShredder Stand-Alone (Free!)
>> http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html
>>
>> Hijack This! (Free!)
>> http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html
>> (Log Analyzer: http://hjt.iamnotageek.com/ )
>>
>> ToolbarCop (Free!)
>> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
>>
>> Microsoft AntiSpyware BETA (in testing stages - Free!)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/
>> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/fqur )
>>
>> Browser Security Tests (Free Tester)
>> http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
>>
>> Popup Tester (Free Tester)
>> http://www.popuptest.com/
>>
>> The Cleaner (~$49.95 and up)
>> http://www.moosoft.com/
>>
>> Sometimes you need to install the application and reboot into SAFE MODE
>> in
>> order to thoroughly clean your computer. Many applications also have
>> (or are) immunization applications. Spybot Search and Destroy and
>> SpywareBlaster are two that currently do the best job at passively
>> protecting your system from malware. None of these programs (in these
>> editions) run in the background unless you TELL them to. The space they
>> take up and how easy they are to use greatly makes up for any
> inconvenience
>> you may be feeling.
>>
>> Please notice that Windows XP SP2 does help stop popups as well.
>>
>> Another option is to use an alternative Web browser. I suggest
>> 'Mozilla Firefox', as it has some great features and is very easy to use:
>>
>> Mozilla Firefox
>> http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
>>
>>
>> So your machine is pretty clean and up to date now. If you use the
> sections
>> above as a guide, it should stay that way as well! There are still a few
>> more things you can do to keep your machine running in top shape.
>>
>>
>> Tip (11):
>> You should periodically check your hard drive(s) for errors and
>> defragment
>> them. Only defragment after you have cleaned up your machine of
>> outside parasites and never defragment as a solution to a quirkiness in
>> your system. It may help speed up your system, but it should be clean
>> before you do this. Do these things IN ORDER...
>>
>> How to use Disk Cleanup
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312
>>
>> How to scan your disks for errors
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
>>
>> How to Defragment your hard drives
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
>>
>> I would personally perform the above steps at least once every three
> months.
>> For most people this should be sufficient, but if the difference you
> notice
>> afterwards is greater than you think it should be, lessen the time in
>> between its schedule.. If the difference you notice is negligible, you
> can
>> increase the time.
>>
>>
>> Tip (12):
>> SPAM! JUNK MAIL!
>> This one can get annoying, just like the rest. You get 50 emails in one
>> sitting and 2 of them you wanted. NICE! (Not.) What can you do? Well,
>> although there are services out there to help you, some email
>> servers/services that actually do lower your spam with features built
>> into
>> their servers - I still like the methods that let you be the end-decision
>> maker on what is spam and what is not. I have two products to suggest to
>> you, look at them and see if either of them suite your needs. Again, if
>> they don't, Google is free and available for your perusal.
>>
>> SpamBayes (Free!)
>> http://spambayes.sourceforge.net/
>>
>> Spamihilator (Free!)
>> http://www.spamihilator.com/
>>
>> As I said, those are not your only options, but are reliable ones I have
>> seen function for hundreds+ people.
>>
>>
>> Tip (13):
>> ADVANCED TIP! Only do this once you are comfortable under the hood of
> your
>> computer!
>>
>> There are lots of services on your PC that are probably turned on by
> default
>> you don't use. Why have them on? Check out these web pages to see what
> all
>> of the services you might find on your computer are and set them
>> according
>> to your personal needs. Be CAREFUL what you set to manual, and take heed
>> and write down as you change things! Also, don't expect a large
> performance
>> increase or anything - especially on today's 2+ GHz machines, however - I
>> look at each service you set to manual as one less service you have to
> worry
>> about someone exploiting.
>>
>> Black Viper Service Configuration Tips
>> http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
>>
>> Configuring Services
>> http://snakefoot.fateback.com/tweak/winnt/services.html
>>
>> Task List Programs
>> http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
>>
>> Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP
>> http://www.reger24.de/prozesse/
>>
>> There are also applications that AREN'T services that startup when you
> start
>> up the computer/logon. One of the better description on how to handle
> these
>> I have found here:
>>
>> Startups
>> http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
>>
>>
>> If you follow the advice laid out above (and do some of your own research
> as
>> well, so you understand what you are doing) - your computer will stay
> fairly
>> stable and secure and you will have a more trouble-free system.
>>
>> --
>> Shenan Stanley
>> MS-MVP
>> --
>> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>> >
>> > Please help, Frank
>> >
>
>
>
> I downloaded the SP2 OK but during installation and error "Access Denied"
> came up and the SP2 went into reverse and the system reverted back.
>
>
>


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