Computer Cleanup/Speedup

[Caveman]

I've got a 2 year old PC with WIn XP that's been running well. But... though I haven't noticed, I'd assume it's slowed over the years as it got loaded with "junk".

I was going to do the usual cleaning to remove old programs to help free additional drive space etc, but I believe I need to clean out old registry entries too...

Are there any other ways to get the computer running like in the early days without reinstalling the OS/programs?

And... Any recommendations for a free reg cleaner?

 

[seemingly random]

That's still a nice pc. I'd bite the bullet and do a fresh install - it'll force backups and get rid of unused apps and possibly dormant malware.