Using Windows XP > Computer Setup and Maintenance

Maintain your system with Windows XP

Use Windows XP to protect your information while keeping your system tidy and running at peak performance.

Get started with computer maintenanceGet started with computer maintenance

New to maintaining a computer? With this roadmap, find out what to do and when to do it.

Organize files and foldersOrganize files and folders

Do you have trouble finding the files on your computer? It may be time for basic housecleaning.

Delete files you don't need anymoreDelete files you don't need anymore

Learn how file deletion works and what to do if you delete something by accident.

Install Windows XP Home Edition backup softwareInstall Windows XP Home Edition backup software

If you’re using Windows XP Home Edition, this software makes it easier to create backup copies of your files.

Back up your filesBack up your files

If you only do one maintenance task on your computer, make it this one. Keep copies of your important files in case something happens to your computer.

Specify how folders openSpecify how folders open

You can see the contents of your folders in a variety of ways—from a detailed list of files to thumbnail images of photos. Learn how to set up the view you see when you open a particular folder.

Remove programs you don't need anymoreRemove programs you don't need anymore

There's a right way and a wrong way to remove programs from your computer. Find out the right way. (Hint: You don't just go in and delete files.)

Copy your files to a CDCopy your files to a CD

Windows XP uses a two-step process to copy files from your computer to a CD. See how it works.

Stay up to date automaticallyStay up to date automatically

Set up your computer to automatically get the latest updates from Microsoft.

Make your computer more secureMake your computer more secure

Helping you keep your computer and family safe is so important that Microsoft has devoted an entire Web site to it.

Find free downloads for Windows XPFind free downloads for Windows XP

Get started with the world of downloads for Windows XP.

Maintenance tasks that improve performanceMaintenance tasks that improve performance

Is your system not running as quickly as it used to? It might be time for some performance-boosting maintenance.

Configure Windows XP power managementConfigure Windows XP power management

If you use a laptop or a Tablet PC, find out how you can conserve your system’s battery power. Windows XP has features that can help.

Set your clock automaticallySet your clock automatically

Windows XP is set up to synchronize to a network time server, but sometimes the default setting is not what you want. Learn how to find a network time server and set your own clock.