1. Run Virus and Spyware detection/removal programs.
2. Run: MSCONFIG  (Start > Run > "msconfig" > startup)
   Select Startup tab and uncheck unnecessary programs.
   It may take some trial and error.
Note: Some versions of Win 2000 may not have it.
   You can use the one from Win XP in later versions of Win 2000
   Copy the file msconfig.exe from the c:\windows\system folder
   to the Windows 2000 c:\winnt\system32 folder.
   The Win 98 version will work in NT and some early versions of 2000
For Windows 98 and ME, do not disable the following startup items:

*statemgr (ME only)
hidserv (ME only)
Keyboard manager
Mgarvctlexe
MotiveMonitor
PCHealth
Primax3d Mouse.
ScanRegistry
SystemTray or SysTray
Taskbar Display Controls
USBMMKBD
Vshwin32.exe (98 only)

For Windows XP, do not disable the following startup items:

Alcxmntr
backupnotify
ccapp
ccregvfy
kbd
LTMSG
NvCpl
ps2
recguard
VTTimer.
About MSConfig at neowin.net

BlackViper.com recommends:

Using services.msc because with msconfig and Hardware Profiles, you can disable services that may be vital to boot your system. With the management console (services.msc) you cannot.

sofotex.com/download/PC_Utilities/Diagnostics/

Restore Your Computer's Performance with Windows XP
Windows XP / 2000 Startup Tweak Guide (Page 1/5)

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