What programs can I get rid of?

When I look in my Control Panel Add/Remove Programs I probably have far more there then I need. How do I find out what I can safely remove, like Micro Soft and HP stuff? I also am dumbfounded with how much I have in my Crograms folder. Can't even find out what a lot of it is. Is there a site that can clear things up for me. Running XP Service Pack 3

 

PC Decrapifier....greatest thing ever.

 

Well I just tried it and it's all Control Panel add remove and I like the help option. Will be looking at each one individually. What about an index or reference to all the folders in my programs folder etc?

 

Could you take a screen shot and post it here so others more knowadgable than I am on it. Can see what you have? Others here should know an easyer way to do it.

http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Screenshot-in-Microsoft-Windows

 

I come up with 4 screen shots way to small to read, unless I am missing a technique to just get one shot listing it all.

 

Have you tryed TimW"s link yet?

 

Not sure if these tips would help, but doubt its going to speed up your system that much. Let me know if it does, and be careful!

http://www.techiesouls.com/2009/06/15/5-simple-ways-to-speed-up-your-computer/

 

I did briefly..I like the explanation of each item but a busy weekend here so on hold until at least Monday.

 

I'll check it out and will get back to you...thank you!

 

I just played with it again and I do like the % rating part. However, I need to research each one to find out what it is a part of and what it does before going ahead.

 

First you should use PC Decrapifier as TimW suggested.

Then you can use Add or Remove Programs or the Revo Uninstaller utility to remove any other software that you don't want.

AFTER you have done all of that, you can investigate the Program Files folder.
Some folders may still remain from previous Uninstalls and could be empty or contain only a few files.
Do not manually delete anything until you have verified that it is no longer needed and it is safe to remove.

You may also want to look at Add/Remove Windows Components within the Add or Remove Programs dialog.