Do your widows updates.
go to start, windows update then follow the instructions
run chkdsk /f
1. How to Run Check disk in windows XP
Go to start, run, type “cmdâ€, make sure you are on your root drive (usually C:\), type “chkdsk /fâ€, type “Y†.
Then restart your system
*if you are not on your root drive type “cd C:\ “ assuming C:\ = your root drive*
run disk cleanup
2. How to run Diskcleanup in windows XP
Go to Start, programs, accessories, system tools, disk cleanup.
Select the drive you want to clean.
After it scans the drive select all the boxes you want to clean files out of.
(usually all of them)
Click ok.
defrag your harddrive
3. How to defrag a harddrive in windows XP
Go to start, programs, accessories, system tools, disk defragmentor.
Select the drive you want to defrag and press “defragâ€
(this may take a while)
scan your computer for viruses/spyware
AVG antivirus
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10596553.html?tag=pop.software
Ad-aware
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=pop.software
Spybot
http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10401314.html?tag=list
Upgrade your memory
here is a link of memory you can use in your system
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141515