Windows XP: common problems and fixes

Is your Windows XP computer slow, failing to start properly, or unable to reach the internet? Here are the fixes, plus a plain explanation of what no fix can do, because Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft.

Before you start

Menu names below may differ slightly between XP editions. An old hard drive can fail at any time, so copy anything you cannot replace first. See how to back up your files. Scan any USB drive on a modern computer before you plug it into this one.

Find out which service pack you have

1. Right-click My Computer (on the desktop or in the Start menu), then select Properties.
2. Select the General tab. Under System, look for Service Pack 3.

Service Pack 3 was the last one.

A slow computer

Fix 1: Restart and free up disk space

A drive that is nearly full slows Windows XP badly.

1. Save your work, select Start, then Turn Off Computer, then Restart.
2. Open My Computer, right-click your C: drive, then select Properties. The General tab shows the used and free space.
3. Select Disk Cleanup.
4. Tick the boxes for Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin and any temporary files, then select OK and Yes.

Fix 2: Stop programs that start with Windows

1. Select Start, then Run. If you do not see Run, press Windows key + R.
2. Type msconfig and select OK. The System Configuration Utility opens.
3. Select the Startup tab.
4. Clear the tick beside programs you recognize and do not need at start-up. Leave unknown items ticked.
5. Select OK, then Restart. After the restart a message about the System Configuration Utility may appear. Select OK.

Fix 3: Defragment the hard drive

Defragmenting joins up files that have been split into pieces. It can take an hour or more.

1. Select Start then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools then Disk Defragmenter.
2. Select your C: drive, then Analyze.
3. If Windows recommends it, select Defragment and leave it alone until it finishes.

A problem that started after a change

If trouble began after you installed a program or driver, System Restore can put Windows settings back to an earlier date. Back up first anyway.

1. Select Start then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools then System Restore.
2. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time, then Next.
3. On the calendar, select a date shown in bold from before the problem began, then Next.
4. Check the date, select Next and wait. The computer restarts, then reports that the restoration is complete.

The internet or Wi-Fi does not work

Repair the connection

1. Select Start then Control Panel then Network Connections. If you do not see Network Connections, select Switch to Classic View on the left.
2. Right-click your connection, such as Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection, then select Repair.
3. If it fails, restart the router and modem (see how to restart your router and modem the right way), then try again.

Reset the network settings

Only do this if Repair did not help, and sign in as an administrator. Microsoft says the command has the same effect as removing and reinstalling TCP/IP (the rules computers use to talk on a network). Microsoft's article does not name XP. It leaves your files alone but clears network addresses typed in by hand, so note those first.

1. Select Start, Run, type cmd and select OK. A black window opens.
2. Type this command and press Enter.

   netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt

3. Restart the computer.

Windows will not start properly

1. Restart the computer. As soon as the maker's logo disappears, tap F8 repeatedly. Do not hold it down.
2. On the Windows Advanced Options Menu, use the arrow keys to choose Last Known Good Configuration and press Enter. This is the safest option.
3. If that fails, restart, tap F8 again, choose Safe Mode and press Enter. Sign in as an administrator.
4. In Safe Mode, use System Restore as described above, or copy your files to a USB drive.

Websites will not load or show security errors

No setting fixes this. Internet Explorer 8 was the last Internet Explorer for XP, and current browsers such as Chrome, Edge and Firefox do not run on it. Many websites now require security standards that old browsers cannot meet. Do not click past certificate warnings.

You can use the computer offline for writing, photos or older software, or move to a newer system. Windows Vista and Windows 7 no longer get security updates either. Check whether it can run a current system, such as ChromeOS Flex on an old PC. If it cannot, a newer computer is the safer route. Get software only from its maker, as in safe downloads and fake driver sites.

Frequently asked questions