If you're used to having the Windows Taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen, but would be happier docking it as a column on the right or left side of your monitor, read Move the Taskbar to Different Locations In Windows to learn how to unlock it and move it where it works best for you. (This technique works equally well in Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.)

If you want to discontinue being reminded to clean off unused icons or shortcuts you've put on your Windows XP desktop, follow the easy steps at the How-To Geek's web site.

To help avoid accidentally deleting a file, putting something into your Windows Recycle Bin doesn’t actually remove it from your computer. So if you discover you need something you deleted, you can still restore it from the Recycle Bin.  

Or if your computer's hard drive is filling up and you need to make room there, you can permanently remove files by emptying the Recycle Bin.

If you've ever had a window accidentally get misplaced off-screen — this is especially common if you use two monitors — here's how to corral it back into place:

1. Find the application on your Windows taskbar, and right-click on it.

2. Click "Move" in the application's menu.

Each time you start a program or open a document on your computer, a button is added to your computer's Windows taskbar.  If you've got a lot of programs running or documents open, the taskbar can run out of room.  When that happens, Windows will group similar buttons together on the taskbar, and it isn't always easy to re-find what you're looking for.

Here's how to change that Windows XP setting on your computer: