You can adjust the graphics and splash screen effects in XP. This uses up some memory and slows XP down. Follow the steps below to pick up some noticeable speed by taking out some of the fancy stuff that XP does behind the scenes:
1. Click your Start button on bottom left of your tool bar.
2. Choose control panel>> System>> Advanced.
3. Under 'Performance' click Settings and select "Adjust for best performance".
4. Now, scroll down to the last two options in that menu and uncheck them:
* Use drop shadows
* Use visual styles
5. Apply the change.