My last computer started with Windows ME and I used a dual platform for a while with Win2000, then got rid of the ME because it was so unstable. That machine, whatever the OS, used to take a long time to start from the accumulation of stuff. I found a nifty little free program (but note: there is a tip jar and he takes PayPal) called Startup Control Panel (get it here). I use it now in my new computer as programs accumulate and start to fill up that start menu again. Every so often I go see what's there (I see QuickTime crept back in. You'll find that sometimes a file appears twice in the list, and if you try to turn off the redundant one, the program tells you to delete one then uncheck the remaining one. These programs work hard to stay in your start menu, but they simply don't need to be there.)

This program is downloaded and it installs into your Control Panel. Open it and it has a series of tabs for types of programs--and it includes easy access to the startup settings. You can boot out the programs you don't want to fool with. I don't need Real Audio or QuickTime or any number of other things taking my time to start up when I rarely use them. I'm perfectly happy to click on a desktop icon and start it myself if I need it. Once you see how much crud is in there and that you can simply remove it from your Starup menu I think you'll be a lot happier.

SRS