I go to msconfig to disable most of start up items.reboot. but next time I turn on computer they are right back in there slowing down my computer. Anyway to keep them disabled?

hello it depends on what items things linke viruses and trojins and spy ware will readd them selfs. goto this link http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_pages/startup_full.htm and d/l spybot search and destroy,update it,run it. and try these links free trojin scan http://www.trojanscan.com/trojanscan/scanner.htm panda scan http://www.pandasoftware.es/activescan/ housecall http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp nrav av http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/ avast cleaning tool http://www.avast.com/i_idt_171.html mcafee avert stinger http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ scans for open trojin ports http://scan.sygate.com/pretrojanscan.html test my sheilds grc https://nanoprobe.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 dsl port scan http://www.dslreports.com/scan pest patrol scan mediocre http://www.pestscan.com/Scan.asp security scan http://www.it-sec.de/index/inhalt/vulchk.php/?sid=2eb8ea121e57434616fa2c6f283c63b7 have a nice day

Did you hit Apply and OK before restarting?

Hi sharrie. Open up registry editor and go to this location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run This lists all the programs you have running at startup...just delete the ones you don't want being careful to keep the ones Windows need. -good luck

Could someone list or point where there's a list of items that should NOT be removed from startup in Win ME? Are there any that should be left there to benefit performance?

Wawadave gave the thread for pacs-portal, which offers a complete list(alpabetically) of every program that can be in startup for every Windows O/S. That website provides information about what the program does and if the program is required for startup.

Some items you have to loook in the options for that application to see if you can uncheck a box or something usally worded "load evertime Windows starts" . I know that RealOne player will add itself bck in startup unless you do this ! Another one is MSN Messenger. The web site thats mentioned ,is very good for informing you what the app is for and if its safe to remove from startup !