Windows XP's new feature called "Prefetch" keeps a shortcut to recently used programs. But it can get filled up with old and obsolete programs and in turn can actually slow down the proceedings. Here is a way in which you can clear/clean the "Prefetch" folder so that it's updated with only the latest and most used programs. To clean the "Prefetch" folder, go to:
• Go to "Start I Run".

• Type the word "Prefetch" in the space and click on "OK".

• Press "Ctrl-A" to highlight all the files.

• Delete them to empty the folder.