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Close all open programs not being used while working
Only use programs that are necessary. Minimizing a programs window may not stop that program from using the computer's processor and memory. Being connected to the Internet, listening to music, and running virus scans are all ways to use a lot of system resources. Try running virus scans and other system tools while at lunch or when away from the desk. Work offline when convenient. Closing programs that are not necessary helps Windows perform more efficiently.

Prevent unwanted background programs from loading
As programs load, the small icons on the systray bar (lower-right corner, next to the clock) build up . Each of these small pictures represents a program running in the background, and each one removes valuable system resources. Move the mouse pointer over each small picture to find what software it is. Common programs that load and run in the background are virus scanners, display settings, and multimedia programs. Increase system resources by stopping these tasks from loading, or by changing their settings. This can be achieved in a number of ways since these programs often start from various places. Consult the applications documentation or Web site.

Use WinUtilities > Startup Manager to prevent such programs from launching. Make sure you know what each and every icon in the system tray represent and do. Allow only essential ones.  

Free up space on the hard drive
Windows uses this space for different types of operations such as caching and virtual memory. The computer may not run reliably if the free disk space drops below five percent of the total disk space.  First run the WinUtilities > Junk File Cleaner utility and remove all the files that show up. If you need to gain more space, take Options > Junk File Cleaner, and check mark unneeded file types like *.bak, *log.txt, *.~mp, *._mp and *.?~?. Clean again.

Use the WinUtilities > Uninstall Manager to remove unwanted programs and increase hard drive space. Detail procedures are provided in the program help. Also use the WinUtilities  > Duplicate File Finder tool to remove clones of large files. Also use the WinUtilities  > Erase Your History tool to clean browser cache, cookies, etc.

Get rid of excessive video clips, screensavers, etc. These files can be found by searching for files with extension *.mpeg, *.mov, *.scr, *.mpg, etc.

Once you are finished, view contents, and empty the recycle bin.

Scan Disk and Defragment your  hard drive
The program Scandisk checks a hard drive for errors. The program Disk Defragmenter takes all of the scattered bits of program data and groups them together in the front of the drive. Frequently used applications run much faster.

Close all programs that are running. This includes background programs such as virus scanners. If Scandisk or Disk Defragmenter starts itself over and over, then a hidden background program is still accessing the hard drive. Restart the computer in Safe mode and try again.  It is best to run Scan Disk at night.

Scan Disk in 98/ME : Start menu >> Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> ScanDisk.

Scan Disk in XP/2000: Not available in Windows XP. In XP there's Check Disk, which can be run from the command line (chkdsk), or by right clicking a drive in Windows Explorer and choosing Properties > Tools > Error-checking >  Check Now. Under Check disk options, select the "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" and "Automatically fix file system errors" check box. You will now be prompted that windows can not begin this process because it cannot access places on the drive that are needed. You need to say yes to start the disk error check the next time you restart your computer. Now, restart your computer and the error check will now begin its processes this may take up to 30 minutes to 1 hours to complete.

Defrag in XP : Select Start button >> Programs >> Administrative Tools >> Computer Management. From the left menu select Disk Defragmenter.

Defrag in 98/ME/2000 :Click the Start button >> Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> Disk Defragmenter.

Ignore the "quick defrag" options.

Adjust system restore settings in Windows XP
System Restore is a feature of Windows that can revert system software and settings back to a particular date. System Restore does this by saving the changes made to system files in a restore point. These restore points use a lot of hard space. System Restore fills twelve percent of the hard drive with restore points if left unadjusted, regardless of the entire size of the hard drive.