Make XP last longer

Once you have downloaded and decompressed all 10 packs, it’s time to create a copy of all the files somewhere safe. So they’ll be ready to use should disaster strike, don’t leave them on the main hard disk.

Copy them to an external hard disk or a DVD disc and store that safely away. For a complete guide to burning CD or DVD discs with free software, see our online feature at www.computeractive.co.uk/2230233.

Make a software library
A good collection of drivers could save the day if you ever need to reinstall Windows XP, but it won’t get all your software back in place. For that reason, it’s vital to store all installation CDs away in a safe place.

If you have installation discs for hardware products, such as printers, tuck them away too. And don’t forget that many programs need an activation code to work: these are often supplied on separate sheets of paper, or as stickers.

Be sure to keep these with the discs, or better still use a special CD pen (available from most stationers) to write the code for each program on the top label of the CD itself.

You should also make a backup copy of any programs that you have purchased and downloaded online: save the installation files to a CD or DVD, not forgetting to keep a copy of any activation codes that you have been sent via email.

If your computer was not supplied with a Windows CD or rescue disc you should find a tool to create one included: use this to burn a disc that will allow you to reinstall Windows in the event of a major fault.

Protect against attacks
A Windows XP computer should run for years ­ but if it gets hit by a virus you could find the whole system reduced to a useless lump of metal and plastic.

Armed with some carefully collected discs and drivers you should be able to get it back to normal, but to avoid this time-consuming process it’s far better to protect the computer against attack in the first place.

If you don’t already have an anti-virus tool installed, get one immediately: AVG Anti-virus Free works well and can be downloaded from www.computeractive.co.uk/2129071.