Easy steps add zip to slow PC.(Life - Money)

Byline: Kin Komando

Even the fastest computers get bogged down over time. But it takes just five easy steps to reclaim your once zippy Windows machine.

1. Lighten

A hard drive slows down as it reaches 90 percent capacity. To remove unused programs, click Start, Control Panel (in Windows 98/ME, Start, Settings, Control Panel). Double-click Add or Remove Programs. Click the program, then click Change/Remove (in Windows 98/ME, click Add/Remove).

When uninstalling programs, if message asks if you want to remove a shared component, select "no to all." These files may be necessary for other programs to operate properly.

2. Clean it up

Disk Cleanup will delete downloaded program files, temporary Internet files and Recycle Bin items. Windows XP's version of Disk Cleanup deletes offline Web pages and compresses rarely used files.

Click Start, (All) Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Select the drive you want to clean (most likely C:) and click OK. Place a check mark next to the items you want deleted; click OK.

To remove unused Windows components and accessories, start Disk Cleanup and click the More Options tab. Click "Clean up" under Windows components.

3. Reduce startup times

Stop instant messaging and other programs which automatically start by clicking Start and Run. Type "msconfig" without the quotes and click OK. Click the Startup tab.

You'll see a number of programs listed. You can find a list of entries and explanations at http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php. Clear the boxes for the unneeded programs. Click Apply and OK. You'll be prompted to restart your computer.

After restarting, see message "System Configuration Utility is in Diagnostic or Selective Startup mode." Check box next to "Don't show this message again"; click OK.

4. Consolidate

It's easy to have multiple copies of digital picture files. A good photo organizer will help consolidate your pictures and remove duplicates.

There are a number of good organizers costing less than $50 from Adobe, Nero and Ulead. Picasa (http://www.picasa.com/picasa) from Google has fewer extras, but it's free.

5. Search

Find and remove inordinately large files through Windows' search function. Click Start, Search, All files and folders. Then click on the arrow next to "What size is it?" Click Large, Search. If you're unsure of the nature of a file, conduct an Internet search using its name.

With a little diligence, computer housekeeping can keep your PC clutter-free and speedy.

- With reports by Ted Rybka.