42. Use XP File Compression to Save Space

If hard disk space is getting tight on your system, Windows XP includes a built in file compression feature which can save considerable space. To activate file compression on a file or folder highlight the file or folder you want to compress, right click it and select 'properties.' Hit the 'advanced' button at the bottom of the screen.

Choose the 'compress contents to save disk space' option. Hit 'ok' twice and you will be prompted to apply the compression to just that file or folder or any subfolders and files that may exist under it. Choose and click 'ok.'

Windows will compress the contents of the file or folder (which may take a while on a slower PC). You will notice the icon text of the compressed folder is now blue to indicate its status.

43. How to Check if There is a DVD Decoder Installed in the PC

If you want to check if you have DVD decoding software installed, or what decoder you actually have, this quick tip can help.

Open the command prompt ('start\run' then type 'cmd') and type 'dvdupgrd /detect'. This will pop up a window on the desktop with information on your decoding software or lack of same.

44. Learn to Love XP Safe Mode

Many users have no idea what the 'safe mode' feature of most Windows operating systems is for. This is a pity, because it could end up costing them some serious money if they run into problems with Windows. The Windows XP safe mode is one of the best (and easiest to use) diagnostic and troubleshooting tools for Windows XP.

The most important feature of safe mode is that it loads Windows with a minimal set of drivers and software. If you are having problems with a faulty driver or auto running program that will not let you boot into Windows normally, safe mode can let you get around this and eliminate the problem from within the Windows environment. This is not all that safe mode can do for you. For more details, check out PCstats detailed guide to using the Windows XP safe mode.

45. Use the Program Compatibility Toolkit

If you are having trouble getting a particular application to run in Windows XP, Microsoft might have a solution for you. The company has made a free tool available that automatically edits settings for hundreds of Windows-XP-incompatible programs to allow them to run properly. This application Compatibility Toolkit can be found here.

46. Use the System Restore Utility From 'Safe Mode Command Prompt.'

The Windows XP system restore utility is extremely useful for rescuing your system from various software disasters that might befall it, but it does have some limitations. The most major of these is the fact that it cannot be invoked from the repair console, and can only restore the most recent save point when chosen from the XP boot menu. This means that if your system will not boot fully into Windows or into safe mode you are out of luck. Well not quite.

It's possible to start the system restore utility from the 'safe mode command prompt' boot option of Windows XP. This gives you one more option for rescuing your system, since this safe mode may load where other Windows XP boot options do not.

To invoke the system restore utility from the safe mode command prompt, type 'c:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe. For more information about the Windows XP safe mode and how to use it, see PCstats guide to WindowsXP Safe Mode.