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System slowness can be tied to numerous factors but enumerate to two: hardware and software.
Memory
If your Windows XP system has 256 MB or less, start here. In the beginning, 256 MB was sufficient for Windows XP. Since then, service packs and software changes have changed reality. Specifically the introduction of Service Pack 2 and Internet Explorer 7 onto any system increases the core hardware requirements. Memory should now be at 512 MB.
Caution is given - if you are using a heavy security suite, such as Norton Internet Security/360 or McAfee Total Protection, you may find that 1 GB of memory serves better.
Startups
Startup programs are killing your system resources. Instant Messenger, Security Suite, Internet Provider, Productivity Suite, Multimedia packages, update installers, and more are consuming your startup routine. These programs don’t just launch then go away; they stay in memory and continue to utilize valuable system resources.
Quicktime and RealPlayer both place persistent components in your startup to ensure your product is current and launches quicker. These components remain active in memory.
The newer versions of Adobe Acrobat (even reader) place persistent components in your startup to ensure your product is current and launches quicker. These components remain active in memory.
Hard Drive
Sometimes there is no easy symptom for a failing hard drive. You may not know it is failing until it is too late to retrieve your data. Then there are those rare cases you do get a warning; erratic slowness can be that warning.
You checked your startups, you’ve scanned for viruses, and you have even tested your memory. Everything looks fine. Now it’s time to test your hard drive. Ultimate Boot CD provides several hard drive diagnostics - and other tools - for free.
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