Step be step: click on start and scroll up to Programs. From there scroll up to Accessories. From there scroll down to System Tools. Scroll down to and click on System Information. In the dialog box that opens, click on Tools. Scroll down to and click on System Configuration Uitilty. Over to the right click on the Start Menu tab. In that dialog box uncheck from the list the programs you don't want to start automatically. But as mentioned before, be careful not to uncheck your antivirus program info, or your modem, your scan reg if you have that going configured to run on startup, and any scheduled maintanence tasks. Click Apply when done. Then click OK. A window will open asking to restart your computer to make these chances take effect. Click yes. Hope this isn't too basic. I took the long route at first to learn how to turn them off. Gotta get some shut eye now, early start tomorrow! Wow! It's already early!! :)