Your XP, just like any other, will tend to become sluggish over time. To help itself, it has several built-in tools and programs that you can use. I’ll show you the 5 most useful ones.

1. The Local Group Policy Editor

Such a pity this tool only exists on Windows XP Professional, as this lets you customize just about everything on your PC. To open it, go to Start >

Run, and type gpedit.msc

The Group Policy Editor is much easier to use than the registry, and pretty much anyone can understand it. You need to have a Windows XP Professional computer and admin privileges to use it though. Read More..

2. Disk Defragmenter

This useful tool lets you fix any fragmented drives on your pc. Defragmenting helps avoid file corruption and speeds up accessing files on the hard drive. To defragment a drive, go to Start > All Programs >Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.

Choose the hard drive you want and press Defragment. Depending on how fragmented the drive is, this might take a long time. It’s a good idea to leave your PC on for the night to do this. It’s also a good idea to automatically defrag files.

3. System Restore

So you accidentally activated a virus or installed some spyware? This is how to fix the messed-up PC. System Restore lets you restore your settings and installed programs to any restore point, which is usually created when installing a program or doing a major system change. The system restore tool can be accessed from Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. More about System Restore…

4. Registry Editor

The registry editor lets you customize and change everything there is on your pc. It is a very advanced tool and difficult to master. To open it, type regedit into the run box from the start menu. More Registry Editor tips…

5. Backup or Restore

The backup / restore wizard is available from Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup.

It is like the System restore tool, but lets you back up or restore files instead of system settings. You should regularly back up your important files, as this is pretty much the only way to get them back after an accidental deletion or drive corruption. You need a flash disk or hard drive to save the backup onto.

More Cool Windows XP tips & tricks HERE!