If you're in the market to tuneup your PC, one of the keys to success is being able to stop startup programs. Windows XP and Windows Vista include a built-in utility called 'msconfig' that can help you tuneup your PC.

To start the msconfig program, go to Start and then in the Search box type in 'msconfig' -- without the quotes of course. If you're using Windows XP, go to Start and then Run and type 'msconfig' -- again without the quotes . Now click OK or hit the Enter key on your keyboard. If you run Windows Vista, the User Access Control (UAC) application may ask you to confirm that you want to run msconfig with administrative privileges. Go ahead and do it.

When the System Configuration utility starts via msconfig, you'll want to click the 'Startup' tab. Here you'll be able to stop startup programs by unchecking thee checkbox beside them. Be careful not to uncheck important processes but don't worry too much either as you'll be able to reverse anything that you do. Go ahead. make your changes and click OK when you're done. You'll be asked to reboot and it would be a good idea to reboot now.

Once the computer reboots, you may be presented with a System Configuration window. This gives you an opportunity to reverse any changes you made if something has gone wrong. Once you're sure everything is A-OK, you can check the "Don't show this message..." and click OK. You're now done optimizing your startup programs!