expanding system resources

I need to improve my system resources. My last check was performance at 57%. I went to Add/Remove programs and removed some things, whatever I knew was safe to remove. There is a lot on that list though that I am not even sure what it is or if I need it. Most say they are some type of update or a Microsoft program.

What can I do to improve my system resources?

I have Windows ME.

 

One other thing, I did try a disk cleanup. I can not do a Scan Disk though, have never been able to. (Have had tons of suggestions, even from manufacturer, but nothing ever works)

 

For Scandisk, it is adviseable that you use a startup floppy or CD, you could use Nero and (may be some other programs too) to create a Windows 9x/ME bootable CD and it will function just like a bootable floppy diskette but only much faster and less read errors. Then run your ScanDisk in the DOS environment that way no other program or the operating system itself could interfere.
Second you have to provide more info on your System such as amount of RAM, HardDrive size (how much of it used, how much of it free), etc.
Running Defrag would help too. For that I'd advise you to disable Virtual Memory first then disable System REstore. Reboot and run the ScanDisk as explained above (couple of times since Windows ScanDisk is a bit half-baked and running it twice would be smart), once the ScanDisk is complete then reboot but in 'Safe Mode' now you have Virtual Memory disabled and in Safe Mode which would make the system be using minimum drivers and no 3rd party applications so a very logical status to run Defrag, it will go smoother and faster.
Once defrag is complete reboot once, enable Virtual Memory and reboot as prompted...and see how things look.

PS. If you have less than 1GB free space on your HardDrive (or Boot Partition) that is not a good sign. Also make sure you have at least 96MB RAM in your system if you are going to disable Virtual Memory.
Let me know if you have any questions...