I have been trying to find out how to get to the start up menu on my windows xp because I have too many thing's starting up, I used to be able to find it and Im sure it was quite simple ? must be the Alzimer's epidemic kicking in that I saw on tv last night ? Thank's for any help.

start ----> run ----> msconfig-----> startup tab

what are you talking about?

There is a list of start up programs on START/PROGRAMS/START UP

But most programs that auto start will not be listed there - e.g. msn skype, virus scanners etc...... You will have to go to each individual program to unselect the " start program when windows starts ' box.

For more in depth control go to control panel/admin tools/services and you can control many components from there, but be warned, if you are not 100% sure then donot stop or disable services as they have uses that are not obvious and are essential, even if you don't find out for a few weeks. There are several good sites that explain the different services.

Systemtracker from http://www.auditmysoftware.com is a nifty little tool.

Among other things, it allows you to easily manipulate (turn off) start up processes.

You can also load up Regedit (Start->Run->key "Regedit" [Enter]) and search through the registry for "Run" and "RunOnce" keys. There will be lots of them, they will have several Values/Data Items under them. They will contain the path and executables of started tasks. Remove any you don't want.

Note: Back up the key to a .reg file (File->Export) first to your Desktop. Just double click it on the Desktop to back the change out. May be advisable to backup the registry first (and/or take a restore point - see Start->Help for details).

edit: double info.

Thank you for your help, now I can start my computer without having to have breakfast while waiting.