• Windows XP, like many newer versions of Windows, can become cluttered over time with files and unnecessary programs that you no longer use, want or even need. Windows XP has several built-in tools you can use to optimize and clean the operating system. You can maintain system performance by incorporating and using these tools as part of a regular, ongoing system maintenance schedule.
  
  

Disk Cleanup

• The Windows XP Disk Cleanup tool analyzes your hard drive and looks for files that you can safely delete to free up space. Disk Cleanup can remove temporary Windows and Internet files, downloaded program files like ActiveX controls and Java applets, Recycle Bin files and old system restore points. The tool also looks for programs that you no longer use and also lists unnecessary Windows components that can be uninstalled. To clean up files on the hard drive, you can access Disk Cleanup via the System Tools section of the "Accessories" menu from the "All Programs" list in the "Start" menu. The More Options tab in the Disk Cleanup tool is the section that enables you to analyze unused Windows components, programs and system restore points after analyzing your hard drive.
  
  

Disk Defragmenter

• Disk Defragmenter is a tool that automatically analyzes and consolidates fragmented files on your system. Over time during normal computer usage, files on the hard drive become fragmented, meaning that they split up and space out as you save, change and delete files or install new programs. The Windows XP Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and free space on your hard drive so that your system can access files and folders more efficiently. Disk Defragmenter usually takes several minutes to analyze your hard disk space and, after you click the "Defragment" button, can take one to two or more hours to complete, depending on how much your system is fragmented. Disk Defragmenter can be found in the System Tools section of the "Start" menu's "Accessories" menu.
  
  

Desktop Cleanup Wizard

• The Windows XP Desktop Cleanup wizard helps declutter the program icons on your desktop. To open the wizard, right-click anywhere on the desktop background and select "Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard" from the Arrange Icons By section. This cleanup tool analyzes how often you open and access program applications and shortcuts. The tool gives you the option of sending unused shortcuts to a folder on your desktop named "Unused Desktop Shortcuts."
  
  

System Configuration Utility

• Windows XP contains a System Configuration utility that acts more of a manual cleanup and computer optimization tool than an automatic one. This tool can be used to optimize the Windows XP startup process by getting rid of unnecessary services and programs that are set to automatically start up at the same time the operating system loads. You can open the System Configuration utility by opening the "Run" box from the "Start" menu, typing "msconfig" and pressing "Enter." The items in the Startup and Services tabs contain check boxes that you can click to remove them from the startup process. The Services tab contains a "Hide All Microsoft Services" button so that you can quickly identify nonessential services that can be disabled.